The 10 Goals Of The Season In the 1980s (80-84)

One of the most iconic competitions to win on British TV is the Match of the Day Goal of the Season award. Made up of each individual month’s winner the final winner was always a goal of immense quality. This article takes a look back at the 5 winning goals of the season from 1980 to 1984. A superb collection of volleys, headers and screamers from some of the best players of the decade.

Part One: Goals of the Season 1980-1984.

 

1980: Justin Fashanu (NORWICH v Liverpool)

“Oh what a goal. That’s a magnificent goal”

Brian Clough allegedly lost a million pounds due to Justin Fashanu’s spectacular goal against Liverpool in February 1980. John Ryan passed the ball to Fashanu, who had his back to the goal. He misjudged Alan Kennedy by flicking the ball up with his right foot before unleashing a powerful left-footed volley past England goalkeeper Ray Clemence.

Fashanu’s celebrations were probably a tad underwhelming considering that he had just drawn Norwich level against the champions with a goal of such calibre. Even though Norwich went on to lose the game, Fashanu had successfully made himself known to the country. Clough and Peter Taylor decided to spend £1 million for Fashanu after seeing the player during the 1980–81 season.

To put it mildly, Fashanu’s stay at Forest was problematic. Following disappointing performances on the pitch, his friendship with Clough was irreparably damaged. With Clough continually questioned Fashanu’s extracurricular activities. The rest of Fashanu’s career was marked by injuries. Along with lacklustre showings for several clubs around the world. In 1990, Fashanu gave an interview with The Sun newspaper where he courageously revealed he was gay. Sadly, less than a decade later, the football community was startled to learn that Fashanu had tragically committed suicide in May 1998.

Fashanu was a talented footballer who is now remembered for his fights against racism and homophobia as well as his terrible passing. His wondergoal against Liverpool will be remembered as the one that best epitomized his talent in an era with limited television coverage.

1981: Tony Morley (Everton v ASTON VILLA)

“Here’s Tony Morley. Good running by him. Oh, what a great goal”

When Aston Villa visited Goodison Park in February 1981, they were three games into a run of seven wins. A run that helped them win the league title. Like many of his teammates, Tony Morley was experiencing a purple patch. His season-winning goal in the first half gave Villa the lead.

It was impressive enough when Shaw turned and passed on the halfway line, but Morley then took over. Morley cut inside Everton’s defensive line and unleashed a rasping shot past Martin Hodge. In 1981, Morley was so good that he worked his way into the England squad. Unfortunately, he did not make the World Cup squad – despite singing on the World Cup single. However he did go on to win the European Cup, and his role in Peter Withe’s winning was legendary.

Despite winning the award, there is a good chance that Ricky Villa would have won had the voting taken place after the 1981 replay of the FA Cup final. Even so, it was not Morley’s fault, and there can be no doubt that at the time of the vote, his goal was a worthy winner.

1982: Cyrille Regis (WEST BROM v Norwich)

“Oh and what a great shot. Oh, one of the goals of the season”

Cyrille Regis’s FA Cup fifth-round winner at The Hawthorns was a brilliant example of how a player’s strengths can be highlighted. Taking the ball on his chest, Regis slipped the first defender, brushed off another flailing attempt to slow him down, and unleashed a piledriver beyond Chris Woods. An iconic goal from one of England’s most underrated strikers.

Less than two weeks later, Regis made his England debut. In doing so he became the second player on this list to make the team single but miss out on Ron Greenwood’s World Cup squad. Given his ability, it’s surprising that Regis only won five caps for his country. West Brom and Coventry fans would undoubtedly attest to Regis’ ability to succeed at the highest level. The goal against Norwich is a testament to this.

1983: Kenny Dalglish (Belgium v SCOTLAND)

“And that is a goal to remember. Marvellous play by Kenny Dalglish…”

Kenny Dalglish’s incredible footwork on the pitch left even a Belgian defender dumbstruck – but it wasn’t always so. Preceding this match he had faced heavy criticism for his inability to replicate his club form at Liverpool to the international level. However, with a majestic turn and an exquisite, left-footed shot into the top corner of the goal past goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff, the Scotsman finally proved them wrong. Despite the defeat, the Times newspaper’s “brilliant piece of trickery” headline was met with deserved praise and admiration. This a more than fitting response to any and all doubters.

1984: Danny Wallace (SOUTHAMPTON v Liverpool)

“Wallace. Oh I say, what a magnificent goal”

To prove his goal v Belgium wasn’t a one-off, Dalglish pulled off two similar finishes shortlisted in the 1983-84 goal of the season competition. However, it wasn’t enough to take home the coveted Goal of the Season award. This went to a goal he probably had a very good view of.

Danny Wallace’s acrobatic overhead kick was an extraordinary piece of skill. The move started with a defensive surge by Mark Wright before the ball found its way to Mark Dennis down the left-hand side. Dennis’ first cross was blocked but his second effort reached the back post. There was Wright again who had followed his early pass with a forward run into the Liverpool penalty area to head the ball back. Waiting was Wallace who finished the move in style with an overhead kick into the roof of the net. Naturally, Liverpool brushed themselves down after this defeat and went on to win three trophies.

 

In conclusion, the goal of the season candidates from 1980-84 was probably the best quality goals of the decade. An iconic volley, a long-range blast, a curler into the top corner and an overhead kick. All goals are of differing quality. All goals were worthy of Goal of the Season in their respective year.

Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below

Also, check out Part Two here where we list the Goals of the Season from the years 1985 to 1989