John Motson makes his debut as a Match of the Day commentator.
Episode 1
Match of the Day: The Watney Cup
July 31, 1971
Match of the Day kicks off with The Watney Cup. Two-match action from the opening round of the Watney Cup. Eight of the highest-scoring teams from the four Divisions of the Football League - Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, Carlisle, Luton Town, Halifax Town, Wrexham, Colchester United and Crewe Alexandra meet in an intriguing pre-season knock-out competition. Barry Davies and Alan Weeks are the commentators at two of today's matches. Halifax Town v Manchester United Colchester United v Luton Town David Coleman introduces news, views, analysis from the tournament which experiments with the controversial off-side law.
Episode 2
Match of the Day: The Watney Cup Final
August 7, 1971
Match of the Day features The Watney Cup Final. West Bromwich Albion v Colchester United Action from the final stage of football's pre-season knock-out tournament which has involved the highest-scoring teams from the four divisions of the Football League. Last year's final produced five goals when Derby County defeated Manchester United 4-1.
Episode 3
14th August 1971
August 14, 1971
Features First Division two-match action to kick off the 1971-72 Football League season. Arsenal v Chelsea Liverpool v Nottingham Forest Action, analysis, interviews and the news which matters on Day One of the Football League season. A season which begins with 12 new managers appointed to league sides in midsummer. Already hundreds of friendly matches and the Watney Cup competition have taken place, but the battle for honours in the four divisions begins today. Will Leeds strike lucky in the First Division this season? What are the pressures on League champions and Cup holders Arsenal? Can Burnley return after one season only in the Second Division? Do Aston Villa fans need more than Third Division football? Many of the answers will be found on Saturdays and shown on Match of the Day.
Episode 4
21st August 1971
August 21, 1971
David Coleman introduces two-match action, presents the Saturday news which matters and talks to the personality player of the day. Birmingham City v Carlisle United Burnley v Luton Town All goals scored in these two matches will be considered for the 'Goal of the Month' competition, the national Saturday-night pastime which attracted a regular 60,000 monthly entry and a final entry of 178,000 for the 'Goal of the Season.'
Episode 5
28th August 1971
August 28, 1971
Featuring action from two famous Football League grounds in the First Division. Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur Derby County v Southampton David Coleman introduces action, analysis, news and the ' Goal of the Month' competition. The first month's goal parade will include the five Watney Cup matches. Last season the climax to the monthly goal season awards came on Cup Final day when the goal of the season was selected. Mrs Margaret Tumelty from Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, won the £300-worth of Premium Bonds with her 1-2-3 winning selection. There was a postcard entry of 178,000 for this competition final.
Episode 6
4th September 1971
September 4, 1971
David Coleman introduces one hour of soccer action, news and analysis from the Saturday football programme. Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool Swindon Town v Queens Park Rangers Who will be the first winner in season 1971-72 of the popular 'Goal of the Month' competition?
Episode 7
11th September 1971
September 11, 1971
David Coleman introduces action, analysis, news and views after one of the most remarkable opening months to any domestic soccer season. Hundreds of players have been 'booked' by referees following new, strict instructions from the governing bodies of the game to clean up match play. Match of the Day action so far has emphasised that more discipline has meant more goals. Crystal Palace v Manchester United Aston Villa v Brighton & Hove Albion
Episode 8
18th September 1971
September 18, 1971
Two-match action introduced by David Coleman. Everton v Arsenal Leicester City v Sheffield United Today's action goals will be considered for the September 'Goal of the Month' competition.
Episode 9
25th September 1971
September 25, 1971
Liverpool v Manchester United West Ham United v Stoke City David Coleman introduces the 'Goal of the Month' parade.
Episode 10
2nd October 1971
October 2, 1971
Four First Division teams in action. The result of September's 'Goal of the Month' competition. News, views and analysis. Manchester United v Sheffield United Southampton v Arsenal David Coleman introduces one hour of match action and the selected 1-2-3 goals during the month of September.
Episode 11
9th October 1971
October 9, 1971
David Coleman introduces two-match action from the First Division plus the news, analysis and views of the day. Derby County v Tottenham Hotspur Liverpool v Chelsea
Episode 12
16th October 1971
October 16, 1971
David Coleman introduces two-match action, news and views, with the League tables still wide open after two months of a new season with refreshing pace-making by teams like Sheffield United, Notts County, Norwich and Brentford. Leeds United v Manchester City Millwall v Bristol City
Episode 13
23rd October 1971
October 23, 1971
David Coleman introduces two-match action plus analysis and views from the Saturday soccer scene. Derby County v Arsenal Blackpool v Queens Park Rangers
Episode 14
30th October 1971
October 30, 1971
Action from two First Division matches and the Goal of the Month entry for October. Manchester United v Leeds United Wolverhampton Wanderers v Coventry City David Coleman introduces one hour of action, analysis and views.
Episode 15
6th November 1971
November 6, 1971
Two-match action and the result of the October 'Goal of the Month' competition. Hull City v Norwich City West Ham United v Sheffield United
Episode 16
13th November 1971
November 13, 1971
David Coleman introduces two-match action which could have a bearing on two championships. Action plus analysis plus views plus the key news from the day's busy Football League programme. Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur Aston Villa v Notts County
Episode 17
20th November 1971
November 20, 1971
David Coleman introduces match action from two leading First Division grounds. Goals, news, views from the busy Saturday football scene. Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal West Ham United v Manchester City
Episode 18
27th November 1971
November 27, 1971
Two-match action from today's Football League programme and the 'Goal of the Month ' parade from the November matches. David Coleman introduces action, analysis and the 'Goals of the Month': in August Wyn Davies (Manchester City) scored the winning goal; in September Bobby Charlton of Manchester United; last month the honour went to Millwall's Gordon Bolland. Southampton v Manchester United Burnley v Swindon Town
Episode 19
4th December 1971
December 4, 1971
David Coleman introduces two-match action from the First Division and the winning goals from the November 'Goal of the Month' competition. Derby County v Manchester City Crystal Palace v Sheffield United Two-match action, analysis, interviews and the fourth 'Goal of the Month' winner of the season. So far this year, there have been over 60,000 entries a month and a surprisingly high proportion of them have come from women fans.
Episode 20
11th December 1971
December 11, 1971
David Coleman introduces two-match action, analysis and the top news from the busy Football League fixture list. Southampton v West Ham United Chelsea v Leeds United
Episode 21
18th December 1971
December 18, 1971
Two-match action, 'Goal of the Month', analysis and interviews - introduced by David Coleman. Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur Goal parade features the most spectacular scoring efforts from the December matches on BBC1.
Episode 22
1st January 1972
January 1, 1972
David Coleman introduces two-match action and the result of the December 'Goal of the Month' competition. Queens Park Rangers v Burnley Arsenal v Everton
Episode 23
8th January 1972
January 8, 1972
David Coleman introduces action, analysis and the key interviews from the busy Football League Saturday. Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City Stoke City v Arsenal
Episode 24
15th January 1972
January 15, 1972
Match of the Day featuring The FA Cup Third Round. Action highlights from three of the leading FA Third Round Cup ties with commentators David Coleman, Barry Davies and John Motson. Who will triumph at Wembley in 1972, the centenary year of the FA Cup? This time last year Manchester United and West Ham failed to survive the Third Round pressures. Swindon Town v Arsenal Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leicester City Blackpool v Chelsea
Episode 25
22nd January 1972
January 22, 1972
David Coleman introduces action analysis and interviews from the Saturday Football League programme. Sheffield Wednesday v Millwall Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool
Episode 26
29th January 1972
January 29, 1972
Barry Davies introduces two-match action and January's 'Goal of the Month' competition. Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United The pick of January's League and Cup goals on parade for a prize of £100-worth of Premium Bonds.
Episode 27
5th February 1972
February 5, 1972
The FA Cup Fourth Round. Action highlights from three of today's Fourth Round ties as 32 teams in the centenary FA Cup competition compete for Wembley Stadium glory on 6 May. BARRY DAVIES , JOHN MOTSON and IDWAL ROBLING are the commentators at three cup-ties which span the country. Hereford United v Newcastle United Liverpool v Leeds United Preston North End v Manchester United The result of the January 'Goal of the Month' competition and another £100-worth of Premium Bonds for the winning selection.
Episode 28
12th February 1972
February 12, 1972
Barry Davies introduces two-match action, news, views and analysis from the Football League programme. Aston Villa v Bournemouth Sheffield United v Manchester City
Episode 29
19th February 1972
February 19, 1972
First Division action highlights introduced by Barry Davies. Leeds United v Manchester United Coventry City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Episode 30
26th February 1972
February 26, 1972
The FA Cup Fifth Round. Action highlights involving six of the 16 clubs battling today. David Coleman, Barry Davies and John Motson are commentators at three of the top Cup Ties and the 'Goal of the Month'. Leyton Orient v Chelsea Cardiff City v Leeds United Manchester United v Middlesbrough
Episode 31
4th March 1972
March 4, 1972
David Coleman introduces two-match action, analysis and views from the Saturday Football League programme. The result of the February 'Goal of the Month' competition with £100-worth of Premium Bonds for the winner. Leeds United v Southampton Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
Episode 32
11th March 1972
March 11, 1972
David Coleman introduces championship soccer action from the First and Second Divisions. Norwich City v Sunderland Newcastle United v Arsenal
Episode 33
18th March 1972
March 18, 1972
The FA Cup Sixth Round. Action highlights from two of today's quarter-final FA Cup Ties as eight teams seek to follow Arsenal as Cup Final victors. Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United v Stoke City
Episode 34
25th March 1972
March 25, 1972
Two-match action and the 'Goal of the Month' goals parade for March. David Coleman introduces action, interviews and the 'Goal of the Month'. Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa Newcastle United v Manchester City
Episode 35
1st April 1972
April 1, 1972
Match of the Day Special: International Boxing: featuring Muhammad Ali Match of the Day: One of the intriguing championship fixtures in the First Division. Derby County v Leeds United Match No 2 involves a top-of-the-table battle in another Division. Fulham v Millwall International Boxing: Muhammad Ali, former Heavyweight Champion of the World, meets fellow American Mac Foster, ranked No 5 in the world. From the Budokan Hall, Tokyo.
Episode 36
8th April 1972
April 8, 1972
Match of the Day Special Two-match action from Division 1 and The Grand National. Introduced by David Coleman. Manchester City v West Ham United Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers The Grand National Another look at the world's greatest steeplechase event and the triumphs of Aintree 1972.
Episode 37
15th April 1972
April 15, 1972
Match of the Day: The FA Cup Semi-Finals Birmingham City v Leeds United Action from one of today's FA Cup semi-final ties as Birmingham v Leeds United and Arsenal v Stoke City fight it out for the right to appear in the Wembley Centenary Cup Final on 6 May.
Episode 38
22nd April 1972
April 22, 1972
Two-match action from the last full Saturday Football League programme in season 1971/72. David Coleman introduces action, analysis, interviews. Manchester City v Derby County Birmingham City v Middlesbrough
Episode 39
29th April 1972
April 29, 1972
International Match of the Day from Wembley featuring The European Football Championship Quarter Final (First Leg) England v West Germany Commentator DAVID COLEMAN with action replays, analysis and expert opinion from DON REVIE , BRIAN CLOUGH , JOCK STEIN, BOBBY CHARLTON and BOB WILSON.
Episode 40
6th May 1972
May 6, 1972
Cup Final Match of the Day Direct from the winners' victory banquet hotel in London's West End. David Coleman introduces action highlights from this afternoon's centenary FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Leeds United. Meet the winners as they celebrate their Wembley triumph. DAVID COLEMAN is the Cup Final commentator and the BBCtv soccer experts are BRIAN CLOUGH , Manager of Derby County; BOBBY CHARLTON , England's most-capped international and Manchester United's senior professional; TERRY COOPER , England and Leeds United, with BOB WILSON , Scotland and Arsenal.
Episode 41
13th May 1972
May 13, 1972
Match of the Day Special features International Soccer and The Rugby League Cup Final International Soccer: West Germany v England The Quarter Final of the European Football Championship from West Berlin. Commentator DAVID COLEMAN with action replays, analysis and expert opinion from DON REVIE (Leeds United) and JOE MERCER (Manchester City). England lost the Quarter Final (First Leg) by 1-3 at Wembley last month. Rugby League: Leeds v St Helens Action highlights from this afternoon's Rugby League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Commentator EDDIE WARING Top-of-the-table Leeds, beaten at Wembley last year, face Lancashire's most talented side.
Episode 42
20th May 1972
May 20, 1972
International Match of the Day Two-match soccer action from the Home International Tournament: Wales v England from Ninian Park, Cardiff Commentator Barry Davies and Scotland v Northern Ireland from Hampden Park, Glasgow Commentator John Motson England finished top of last year's final international table: P W D L F A Pts England 3 2 1 0 4 1 5 Ireland 3 2 0 1 2 1 4 Wales 3 0 2 1 0 1 2 Scotland 3 0 1 2 1 4 1 David Coleman introduces the first of three major soccer programmes on BBC1 featuring this championship and expert analysis by Don Revie (Leeds United), Brian Clough (Derby County) and Jock Stein (Celtic).
Episode 43
27th May 1972
May 27, 1972
International Match of the Day Two-match action from the final day of the Home International Tournament: Scotland v England from Hampden Park, Glasgow and Wales v Northern Ireland from the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham These matches will decide who become the British soccer champions in 1972. Expert analysis from BRIAN CLOUGH , manager of the new League champions Derby County; JOE MERCER of Manchester City; and BOB WILSON , Scotland and Arsenal goalkeeper.