In 1985 the television rights came up for renegotiation and BBC and ITV offered £16m for four years. This was in return for 19 live games plus weekend highlights. The Football League met on Valentine's Day and rejected it. Football was, however, in a weak negotiating position as the game was rife with hooliganism and the two sides became deadlocked. The result was a total black-out for the first part of the season which annoyed fans and concerned the sponsors. The Football League finally backed down and agreed a deal that gave them less money per game than before on a short term two and a half year contract. The remaining six months was worth £1.3m with a two year £6.2m extension confirmed in June. The supporters were delighted and Match of the Day resumed in January. It concentrated mainly on FA Cup highlights and the occasional live League match on a Sunday.
Episode 1
10th August 1985: FA Charity Shield: Everton v Manchester United
August 10, 1985
Highlights of this afternoon's Wembley occasion featuring the Canon League champions, Everton, and the FA Cup holders, Manchester United.
Episode 2
5th January 1986: Charlton Athletic v West Ham United
January 5, 1986
Live coverage of Charlton Athletic v West Ham United.
Episode 3
12th January 1986: Watford v Liverpool
January 12, 1986
Watford's exciting, direct style of football made them runners-up to Liverpool on their arrival in the Canon League First Division in the 1982/3 season. With Liverpool's polish and Watford's constant effort, the fixtures between these two clubs have usually led to plenty of goals, with Liverpool so far having the edge. With the top of the table now sorting itself out, Liverpool need a good result at Vicarage Road today to maintain their thrust for the Championship.
Episode 4
18th January 1986
January 18, 1986
Action highlights from the Canon League First Division Championship featuring teams in the running for the title. Manchester United v Nottingham Forest Birmingham City v Everton
Episode 5
25th January 1986: FA Cup Fourth Round
January 25, 1986
Action highlights from three matches in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Sunderland v Manchester United Manchester City v Watford Notts County v Tottenham Hotspur
Episode 6
9th February 1986: Liverpool v Manchester United
February 9, 1986
Live coverage from Anfield of one of the most watchable fixtures in the League calendar. Teeming crowds are traditional for this one - more than a million spectators have seen the 21 First Division clashes between these giants over the last 11 seasons.
Episode 7
2nd March 1986: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
March 2, 1986
The feathers could fly at today's live coverage from the Canon League Championship. The cockerel that looks down from his perch high above the White Hart Lane stand has seen all the glories of Tottenham football. Today he is challenged in his own roost by Liverpool's equally proud liver bird.
Episode 8
8th March 1986: FA Cup Sixth Round
March 8, 1986
Action highlights from this afternoon's games, plus the atmosphere and tension that surrounds the Cup. Bury v Watford Luton Town v Everton Brighton & Hove Albion v Southampton
Episode 9
22nd March 1986
March 22, 1986
Can Everton retain the Canon League First Division Championship, or will Merseyside rivals Liverpool pip them at the post? Manchester United will also be hoping to make it their first Championship title since 1967, but could London's Chelsea surprise them all? Manchester United v Manchester City Southampton v Chelsea
Episode 10
31st March 1986
March 31, 1986
A bonus for your holiday. Action highlights from two Canon League matches affecting the First Division championship. Manchester United v Everton Liverpool v Manchester City
Episode 11
5th April 1986: FA Cup Semi-Final: Everton v Sheffield Wednesday
April 5, 1986
Everton face Sheffield Wednesday at Villa Park while Southampton take on Liverpool at White Hart Lane.
Episode 12
19th April 1986
April 19, 1986
Action highlights from two Canon League First Division matches reflecting the battle for the championship title and the struggle to avoid relegation. Everton v Ipswich Town Watford v West Ham United
Episode 13
3rd May 1986
May 3, 1986
After the closest race for years who will win the Canon League First Division Championship? Match of the Day cameras bring you action highlights from matches affecting championship honours and relegation. Plus the Goal of the Season competition. Everton v Southampton Chelsea v Liverpool
Episode 14
10th May 1986: FA Cup Final: Everton v Liverpool
May 10, 1986
From Wembley Stadium, highlights of the first all-Merseyside FA Cup Final, Everton versus Liverpool. Jimmy Hill presents the best action, analyses the key moments and talks to the players and manager of the victorious side.