If you have been following the West Ham Season review on youtube courtesy of Rob Banks, today we go back to the 1985/1986 season for a four-part season review thanks to Nigel Kahn on his Reel of History Youtube account. .

The 1985–1986 season saw manager John Lyall lead West Ham United to their highest ever league finish, coming a close third behind Liverpool and Everton. They won 26 of their 42 games and finished with 84 points, two behind Everton and four behind eventual double winners Liverpool. The Hammers team of 1985-86 became known as The Boys of 86.

The most notable pre-season changes to the West Ham side were midfielder Mark Ward and striker Frank McAvennie, signed from Oldham Athletic and St Mirren respectively.

Both players made their debuts on the opening day of the season in a 1–0 defeat by Birmingham City at St Andrew’s. McAvennie played in midfield, but an injury to Paul Goddard gave the Scot the opportunity to establish himself as first choice strike partner to Tony Cottee, who was in his third full season as a regular player despite only being 21.