In his eighth season as manager, Brian Clough appointed Alan Hill as new trainer after the departure of Jimmy Gordon in the previous season.[1] Meanwhile forward Trevor Francis was transferred out to Manchester City being replacing by Norwich City striker Justin Fashanu.[2] The team finished in a disappointing 12th spot with a defensive line (4th overall) not being helped by his offensive line in a mediocre season delivered by Fashanu, Wallace and Ward. The club was early eliminated in FA Cup on third round. Meanwhile, the squad reached the League Cup fifth round only to be defeated by Tottenham Hotspur after a 1–0 score.
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