| 1980-81 In English Football |
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OVERVIEW The Football League introduced a three points for a win system in place of the two points for a win system which had operated since the league's formation in 1889. First Division Ron Saunders completed Aston Villa 's revival, as they ended their 71-year wait for the league championship trophy. They competed in a two-horse race with Ipswich Town during the final stages of the season before pipping the Suffolk side at the post. Liverpool slipped into fourth place but compensated for this downfall by lifting the European Cup and their first-ever League Cup . But Manchester United failed to make the top five and this shortcoming cost Dave Sexton his manager's job. He was succeeded by Ron Atkinson , who had just finished fourth in the league and reached the UEFA Cup quarter finals with an impressive West Bromwich Albion side - who would suffer a rapid declne after Atkinson's departure. Crystal Palace endured a dreadful season with just six wins. They were joined in the Second Division by also-doomed Norwich City and Leicester City . Second Division FA Cup holders West Ham United regained their First Division status by lifting the Second Division championship trophy. They were joined by Notts County and Swansea City , completing a meteoric rise under John Toshack , from the Fourth Division to the First in just four years. Both Bristol clubs were relegated from the Second Division in 1980-81. They were joined in the drop zone by Preston North End . Third Division Rotherham United , Barnsley and Charlton Athletic occupied the promotion places in the Third Division . Hull City , Blackpool and Colchester United were joined in the Third Division drop zone by Sheffield United - who just seven years earlier had finished sixth in the First Division. Fourth Division Southend United , Lincoln City , Doncaster Rovers and Wimbledon occupied the four promotion places in the Fourth Division . There were no movements between the Fourth Division and the Alliance Premier League as the re-election system went in favour of the league's bottom four clubs. FA Cup Inspired by Ricardo Villa and Osvaldo Ardiles , World Cup winners with Argentina in 1978, Tottenham Hotspur overcame Manchester City in the FA Cup final replay to lift their first major trophy under the management of Keith Burkinshaw . League Cup Liverpool added to their European Cup triumph with their first-ever League Cup . European football English clubs continued their dominance of European football. Liverpool won the European Cup , ensuring that the European Cup remained in English hands for the fifth year running. Bobby Robson proved his managerial credentials by bringing UEFA Cup glory to Ipswich Town , who had narrowly missed out on the league title. STAR PLAYERS
STAR MANAGERS
HONOURS LEAGUE TABLE First Division Second Division Third Division Fourth Division P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points |
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