1980–81 Ipswich Town F.C. season

English football team's season February 2020 February 2015 Ipswich Town 1980–81 Bobby Robson Patrick Cobbold First Division 2nd FA Cup Semi-finals League Cup Fourth round UEFA Cup Winners John Wark (18) John Wark (36) 32,274 v Liverpool (13 December 1980) 14,780 v Middlesbrough (2 September 1980) 24,619 _shoulder_stripes_white_stripes _whitehoops_top _shoulder_stripes_white_stripes _color_3_stripes_white _adidasonwhite 0036EE 0036EE 0036EE 0036EE 0036EE 1979–80 1981–82 During the 1980–81 English football season, Ipswich Town F.C. competed in the Football League First Division. In one of the most successful seasons in the club's history, they finished as runners-up in the league championship, were semi-finalists in the FA Cup and won the UEFA Cup. In all, Ipswich played a total of 66 competitive games during the season, winning 37, drawing 13 and losing 16. The season began with an unbeaten run in the club's opening 15 league matches, and by the middle of March they were strong title contenders with only two defeats in thirty-two. However, a 2–1 defeat against Manchester United triggered a slump which handed the initiative to eventual champions Aston Villa, although Ipswich did win at Villa Park during the run-in. Finishing as runners-up was the second-best finish Ipswich had achieved in their history, bettered only by the 1961–62 championship-winning season. The dip in form, losing seven of the last ten league games, was due in no small part to fixture congestion, as the club was progressing in cup competitions. The club lost in the fourth round of the League Cup to Birmingham but reached the semi-final of the FA Cup, losing in extra time to Manchester City. This was eclipsed by reaching – and then winning – the final of the UEFA Cup, where a 5–4 aggregate victory over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar clinched the club's first (and, to date, only) European trophy. Top scorer for the season was 23-year-old John Wark, who scored 36 goals in all competitions, 14 of which came in the UEFA Cup tournament, including one in each leg of the final. This equalled José Altafini's record of 14 goals for Milan in the 1962–63 European Cup. Wark's goalscoring form saw him win the European Young Player of the Year and PFA Player of the Year awards. The Dutch midfielder Frans Thijssen was named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year. Previous season Ipswich had ended the previous First Division campaign in third place. That season included an unbeaten run of 23 matches stretching from the beginning of December to the final Saturday of the League, when they lost at Manchester City. https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/matches/season/1980/ 11v11.com Ipswich Town football club match record: 1980 18 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200115124604/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/matches/season/1980/ 15 January 2020 live Ipswich exited the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage, losing 2–1 against Everton, https://www.11v11.com/matches/everton-v-ipswich-town-08-march-1980-214647/ Everton v Ipswich Town, 08 March 1980 11v11.com 19 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161046/https://www.11v11.com/matches/everton-v-ipswich-town-08-march-1980-214647/ live and lost out to Coventry City in the second round of the League Cup. In European football, Ipswich were knocked out of the UEFA Cup in the second round, losing on away goals to Grasshoppers. https://www.11v11.com/matches/ipswich-town-v-grasshoppers-07-november-1979-307651/ Ipswich Town v Grasshoppers, 07 November 1979 11v11.com 19 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161033/https://www.11v11.com/matches/ipswich-town-v-grasshoppers-07-november-1979-307651/ live Results First Division 1980–81 Football League August to December Ipswich started their league campaign with a 1–0 victory away at newly promoted Leicester City, with John Wark scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute. This was his first of a prolific season to come. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002454/19800817/240/0038 British Newspaper Archive The People 3 February 2020 17 August 1980 38 Richard Taylor Wark's Way Home wins against Brighton and Everton sandwiched a 2–2 draw at Stoke City, and left Ipswich unbeaten in the league and top of the table on goal difference at the end of August. https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-august-1980/ League Division One table after close of play on 31 August 1980 11v11.com 20 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161033/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-august-1980/ live Bobby Robson was awarded Football League First Division Manager of the Month for August. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000271/19801004/380/0014 British Newspaper Archive Liverpool Echo 4 October 1980 14 Charles Lambert 30 January 2020 Top Boss Vote for 'Miracle Man' Lee The club went through September undefeated, with victories against Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Coventry City and Wolves, maintaining their position at the top of the division at the end of the month, four points ahead of Liverpool.https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/30-september-1980/ League Division One table after close of play on 30 September 1980 11v11.com 20 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423160806/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/30-september-1980/ live Commitments in both the UEFA and League Cups meant Ipswich's league activity in October was restricted to four matches, drawing with Leeds United, Liverpool and Manchester United, and winning at Sunderland. Although Ipswich remained undefeated in the league by the end of October, Villa topped the table by two points, having played two more games. https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-october-1980/ League Division One table after close of play on 31 October 1980 11v11.com 20 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423160747/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-october-1980/ live November commenced with two draws, a goalless game at home against West Bromwich Albion and a six-goal match against Southampton. A shock 1–0 defeat against bottom club Brighton saw the end of Ipswich's unbeaten run of fourteen league games since the start of the season. Ipswich were without first-team regulars Paul Cooper, Thijssen, Alan Brazil and Kevin Beattie through injury, and Terry Butcher was suspended, having been sent off in the Southampton match.Henderson, p. 142 Burley succumbed to injury during the game; Robson remarked "I must admit, our resources are being stretched to the absolute limit". British Newspaper Archive https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000445/19801112/380/0016 Burley blow rocks reeling Ipswich Town 12 November 1980 16 Aberdeen Evening Express 3 February 2020 The defeat was followed by two wins, against Leicester City and Nottingham Forest. https://www.11v11.com/teams/brighton-and-hove-albion/tab/leagueTables/10-november-1980/ Brighton and Hove Albion league performance history – League Division One table after close of play on 10 November 1980 11v11.com 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423160745/https://www.11v11.com/teams/brighton-and-hove-albion/tab/leagueTables/10-november-1980/ live Ipswich ended the month third in the league, three points behind Aston Villa and two points behind Liverpool, but with three games in hand. https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/30-november-1980/ League Division One table after close of play on 30 November 1980 11v11.com 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161220/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/30-november-1980/ live Their performance was similar in December, commencing with two draws (against Manchester City and Liverpool), followed by a 5–3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. At 3–3, Ipswich's Eric Gates was sent off, seemingly for retaliating to Graham Roberts, and Tottenham took advantage to score twice in the final ten minutes through Steve Archibald and Osvaldo Ardiles, inflicting Ipswich's second league defeat of the season. British Newspaper Archive 3 February 2020 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002240/19801218/260/0014 Newcastle Journal 18 December 1980 14 Ipswich toppled Ipswich won 3–1 at Birmingham City before playing two matches in two days after Christmas, beating Norwich City 2–0 on Boxing Day before drawing 1–1 at Highbury against Arsenal the following day, courtesy of a Wark penalty, his 23rd goal of the season. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002454/19801228/333/0046 British Newspaper Archive 3 February 2020 28 December 1980 The People Big clutch tames Dutch 46 The year ended with Ipswich in third place in the league, still behind Liverpool and Villa, but by only a single point and with two games in hand. https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-december-1980/ League Division One table after close of play on 31 December 1980 11v11.com 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161251/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-december-1980/ live January to May The new year started with two home victories, a 2–0 win against Nottingham Forest and, on what was Robson's twelfth anniversary as Ipswich manager, a 5–1 defeat of Birmingham City, which took Ipswich back to the top of the league for the first time since October. British Newspaper Archive 14 January 1981 3 February 2020 Aberdeen Press and Journal https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19810114/419/0020 Ipswich are back on top after five-star display 20 A goalless draw at Everton was then followed by a 4–0 win at Portman Road against Stoke City, with Ipswich's dominance leading Stoke manager Alan Durban to comment: "I've never seen a team with such confidence in their eyes". https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19810202/319/0016 British Newspaper Archive 3 February 2020 Rocky Liverpool 2 February 1981 16 Aberdeen Press and Journal Ipswich ended the month back on top of the league table, tied on points with Aston Villa and four points clear of Liverpool, and with a game in hand on both. https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-january-1981/ League Division One table after close of play on 31 January 1981 11v11.com 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161314/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-january-1981/ live Ipswich went through February with a 100% record, with three home wins over Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and an away win against Coventry City. This consolidated the club's position at the top of the league by the end of the month, two points ahead of Villa and eight ahead of Liverpool, https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/28-february-1981/ League Division One table after close of play on 28 February 1981 11v11.com 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161317/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/28-february-1981/ live and earned Robson another Manager of the Month award. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000271/19810307/432/0014 British Newspaper Archive Top Boss – That's Mr 100 Per Cent Liverpool Echo 7 March 1981 30 January 2020 14 Two home wins (against Tottenham and Sunderland) and two away losses (against Manchester United and Leeds United) in March for Ipswich saw the gap at the top of the table ahead of Aston Villa reduce to a single point by the end of March, https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-march-1981/ League Division One table after close of play on 31 March 1981 11v11.com 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161411/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/31-march-1981/ live yet Robson was awarded his third Manager of the Month award. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002471/19810404/264/0014 British Newspaper Archive It's Robson again 4 April 1981 Reading Evening Post 30 January 2020 14 Having lost just two league games between August and February, Ipswich's form had started to dip as a result of fixture congestion with them still playing in three competitions. https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-v-villa-video-did-paul-mariner-s-goal-cost-blues-league-title-1-1758630 East Anglian Daily Times Ipswich v Villa video: Did Paul Mariner's goal cost Blues league title? 3 January 2013 Terry Hunt 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161432/https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-v-villa-video-did-paul-mariner-s-goal-cost-blues-league-title-1-1758630 dead Ipswich's season worsened in April, losing to West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal and Norwich, and securing just four points with wins against Manchester City and Aston Villa. Ipswich ended April second in the league, four points behind Villa with a game in hand, but with only two games of the season remaining. https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/30-april-1981/ League Division One table after close of play on 30 April 1981 11v11.com 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161524/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/30-april-1981/ live Ipswich needed to win both games to remain in the title chase. They led 1–0 at half-time against Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park, but two goals from Yugoslavian international striker Boško Janković condemned Ipswich to their sixth defeat in nine games. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough-fc/middlesbrough-v-ipswich-town-calmness-envelopes-boro-as-race-hots-up-1-7871234 The Yorkshire Post Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town: Calmness envelopes Boro as race hots up Leon Wobschall 23 April 2016 21 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20160506111257/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough-fc/middlesbrough-v-ipswich-town-calmness-envelopes-boro-as-race-hots-up-1-7871234 6 May 2016 live They went on to lose the last game against Southampton, and ended the season in second place, four points behind Aston Villa and three points ahead of Arsenal who won seven of their final eight matches. https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/1981/ League Division One table at close of 1980–81 season 11v11.com 21 January 2020 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423161807/https://www.11v11.com/teams/ipswich-town/tab/leagueTables/1981/ live https://www.11v11.com/teams/arsenal/tab/matches/season/1981/ 11v11.com Arsenal football club match record: 1981 21 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20170323233014/http://www.11v11.com/teams/arsenal/tab/matches/season/1981/ 23 March 2017 live Results summary right|thumb|upright|Frans Thijssen scored three league goals during Ipswich's 1980–81 season. Date Opponents H/A ResultF–A Scorers Attendance16 August 1980Leicester CityA1–0Wark21,64019 August 1980Brighton & Hove AlbionH2–0Wark, Gates21,56823 August 1980Stoke CityA2–2Brazil, Gates10,72230 August 1980EvertonH4–0Brazil, Wark, Butcher, Mariner20,8796 September 1980Aston VillaH1–0Thijssen23,19213 September 1980Crystal PalaceA2–1Wark, Gates24,28220 September 1980Coventry CityH2–0Wark 220,50727 September 1980Wolverhampton WanderersA2–0Brazil, Mariner18,5034 October 1980Leeds UnitedH1–1Wark24,08711 October 1980LiverpoolA1–1Thijssen48,08418 October 1980Manchester UnitedH1–1Mariner28,45125 October 1980SunderlandA2–0Mühren, Brazil32,3681 November 1980West Bromwich AlbionH0–023,0438 November 1980SouthamptonA3–3Gates, Wark, Mariner21,26111 November 1980Brighton & Hove AlbionA0–117,05515 November 1980Leicester CityH3–1Gates, Williams (og), d'Avray19,85222 November 1980Nottingham ForestA2–1Brazil, Wark (pen)24,4236 December 1980Manchester CityA1–1Mühren35,21513 December 1980LiverpoolH1–1Brazil32,27417 December 1980Tottenham HotspurA3–5Mariner 2, Gates22,74120 December 1980Birmingham CityA3–1Mariner, Wark, Brazil16,16126 December 1980Norwich CityH2–0Brazil, Wark27,89027 December 1980ArsenalA1–1Wark (pen)42,81810 January 1981Nottingham ForestH2–0Mariner, Mühren25,70113 January 1981Birmingham CityH5–1Wark, Butcher, Mariner, Mühren, Brazil21,15817 January 1981EvertonA0–025,51631 January 1981Stoke CityH4–0Wark (pen), Brazil 2, Gates23,8437 February 1981Crystal PalaceH3–2Mariner, Wark (pen), Gilbert (og)25,03617 February 1981MiddlesbroughH1–0Brazil24,78121 February 1981Wolverhampton WanderersH3–1Wark, Gates, Beattie24,21828 February 1981Coventry CityA4–0Brazil, Gates, McCall, Osman17,55714 March 1981Tottenham HotspurH3–0Gates, Wark (pen), Brazil32,05221 March 1981Manchester UnitedA1–2Butcher46,68528 March 1981SunderlandH4–1Mühren, Mariner 2, Thijssen25,45031 March 1981Leeds UnitedA0–326,4624 April 1981West Bromwich AlbionA1–3Brazil22,21614 April 1981Aston VillaA2–1Brazil, Gates47,49518 April 1981ArsenalH0–230,93520 April 1981Norwich CityA0–126,08325 April 1981Manchester CityH1–0Butcher22,6842 May 1981MiddlesbroughA1–2Mariner15,50313 May 1981SouthamptonH2–3Brazil, Wark19,504 League table summary main WDLHA First Division QR 5 2 AST Aston Villa C IPS Ipswich Town ARS Arsenal WBA West Bromwich Albion LIV Liverpool SOU Southampton 16 3 2 40 13 10 5 6 32 27 15 4 2 45 14 8 6 7 32 29 13 8 0 36 17 6 7 8 25 28 15 4 2 40 15 5 8 8 20 27 13 5 3 38 15 4 12 5 24 27 15 4 2 47 22 5 6 10 29 34 #ff0 Qualified for the 1981–82 European Cup first round EC thistle Qualified for the 1981–82 UEFA Cup first round UC1 UC1 UC1 UC1 #66CDAA Qualified for the 1981–82 European Cup first round Liverpool won the European Cup this year, and thus qualified for the following season's competition as defending champions. They also won the League Cup this year. LIV #bcf UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1981–82 First round UCWC1 #fcc Relegated R R R complete 11v11.com League Cup 1980–81 Football League Cup Ipswich commenced the 1980–81 Football League Cup campaign in the second round, where they were drawn against Middlesbrough. They lost the first leg 3–1 away from home, but secured a second leg 3–0 win courtesy of a Paul Mariner brace and a goal from Russell Osman. Although the match was covered for television by both the BBC and Anglia Television, footage was not screened because the Middlesbrough shirts were sponsored by a car company, contrary to the broadcasting companies' rules. Soccer Blackout Liverpool Echo 4 September 1980 20 British Newspaper Archive 30 January 2020 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000271/19800904/553/0020 In the third round, against local rivals Norwich City, another Osman goal ensured a 1–1 draw at Portman Road. Ipswich progressed to the fourth round following a 3–1 victory at Carrow Road. Mariner put Ipswich ahead, but Tony Powell's first goal in two years drew the scores level. Mariner's second strike and a goal from Mühren in a three-minute spell secured the victory for Ipswich. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002240/19801010/001/0001 British Newspaper Archive Mariner leads Ipswich romp Newcastle Journal 1 10 October 1980 30 January 2020 They then faced Birmingham City at St Andrew's but went into the tie without regulars Mariner, Thijssen, Beattie and O'Callaghan, all through injury. Ipswich were knocked out, losing 2–1 despite taking the lead with a penalty from Wark. It was their first overall domestic loss of the season. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19801029/384/0022 British Newspaper Archive 29 October 1980 30 January 2020 22 Wark on target, but Ipswich toppled Aberdeen Press and Journal right|thumb|upright|Arnold Mühren scored in the third round replay of the League Cup against Norwich City. Date Round Opponents H/A ResultF–A Scorers Attendance26 August 1980Round 2First legMiddlesbroughA1–3Wark14,4592 September 1980Round 2Second legMiddlesbroughH3–0Osman, Mariner 214,78023 September 1980Round 3Norwich CityH1–1Osman26,4628 October 1980Round 3ReplayNorwich CityA3–1Mariner 2, Mühren24,52328 October 1980Round 4Birmingham CityA1–2Wark (pen)18,968 FA Cup 1980–81 FA Cup Ipswich's first appearance in the 1980–81 FA Cup was in the third round, against Aston Villa at Portman Road. A goal from Paul Mariner was sufficient to see the team progress to a fourth round tie with Second Division team Shrewsbury Town at Gay Meadow. The match ended in a goalless draw, forcing a replay and Robson declared Shrewsbury to have been unlucky: "if we play like that again we won't win the cup or the league title". https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19810126/516/0026 Shrewsbury unlucky, says Robson 26 January 1981 26 Aberdeen Press and Journal British Newspaper Archive Ipswich won the replay 3–0 with two goals from Eric Gates and John Wark scoring his 25th goal in all competitions that season. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19810128/749/0042 British Newspaper Archive 28 January 1981 30 January 2020 Aberdeen Press and Journal Ipswich outclass Shrewsbury Mike Green A home draw in the fifth round against Charlton Athletic ended in a 2–0 victory to Ipswich courtesy of strikes from Mariner and Wark. Ipswich were drawn to play away against Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest in the quarter finals. In a match described by ESPN as "a classic FA Cup tie", the visitors took a two-goal lead through a Mariner strike and an own goal from Viv Anderson, before Forest fought back to take a 3–2 lead after goals from Trevor Francis, Colin Walsh and John Robertson (from the penalty spot). Thijssen then scored with six minutes remaining to take the tie to a replay. http://en.espn.co.uk/facupstories/sport/story/141206.html ESPN Late, great, last eight winners 16 March 2012 21 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200130131703/http://en.espn.co.uk/facupstories/sport/story/141206.html 30 January 2020 live The replay, held three days later at Portman Road, was decided by a single goal from Mühren, with Robson describing his team's effort as "superhuman" while Clough, whose team dominated the first half, said: "I am still not sure they are a better team than us". https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000445/19810311/334/0016 British Newspaper Archive Robson: One game at a time Aberdeen Evening Express 11 March 1981 16 The semi-final against Manchester City was played at Villa Park as a neutral venue. Described as "one of the celebrated strikes in the club's history", Paul Power's extra time free kick settled the match in City's favour. https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/2013/may/great-fa-cup-goals-paul-power--v-ipswich-1981 Manchester City F.C. 21 January 2020 Great FA Cup Goals: Paul Power Nicola McCarthy 3 May 2013 It was also to be the last game for the club for the injury-struck Beattie who broke his arm during the match. Beattie recalled "I collided with Dave Bennett during an aerial challenge. I won the ball fairly easily but he actually headed my arm... the arm was bent out of shape and I was in agony".Henderson, p. 89 right|thumb|upright|Paul Mariner scored three times during Ipswich's FA Cup run. Date Round Opponents H/A ResultF–A Scorers Attendance3 January 1981Round 3Aston VillaH1–0Mariner 12'27,72124 January 1981Round 4Shrewsbury TownA0–018,00027 January 1981Round 4ReplayShrewsbury TownH3–0Gates 2, Wark27,54314 February 1981Round 5Charlton AthleticH2–0Wark, Mariner30,2217 March 1981Round 6Nottingham ForestA3–3Mariner, Anderson (og), Thijssen34,79610 March 1981Round 6ReplayNottingham ForestH1–0Mühren31,06011 April 1981Semi-finalManchester CityN0–146,537 UEFA Cup 1980–81 UEFA Cup Ipswich's European campaign commenced in the first round of the UEFA Cup against Greek team Aris Salonika. The first leg, at Portman Road, was an ill-disciplined match which saw Aris' Giorgos Foiros sent off after a second yellow card towards the end of the first half. Ipswich were awarded three penalties, all of which were converted by John Wark, who also scored a fourth from open play. Aris also scored from the spot through Theodoros Pallas in what would be a consolation goal in a 5–1 win for Ipswich, https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66541--ipswich-vs-aris-thessaloniki/ UEFA 1980/81, First round, 1st leg – Ipswich 5–1 Aris 20 January 2020 18 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201218165037/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66541--ipswich-vs-aris/?referrer=%2fuefaeuropaleague%2fseason%3d1980%2fmatches%2fround%3d1103%2fmatch%3d66541%2f live described as a "sparkling" victory by the Belfast Telegraph. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19800918/501/0025 British Newspaper Archive Injuries are key in United's Euro bid Belfast Telegraph 18 September 1980 30 January 2020 25 Two weeks later, Aris won 3–1 in the return leg, taking an early 2–0 lead before Gates pulled one back for Ipswich. Although Aris scored a third midway through the second half, https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002240/19801002/229/0014 British Newspaper Archive Aris Salonika 3–1 Ipswich Newcastle Journal 14 2 October 1980 30 January 2020 Ipswich progressed to the next round 6–4 on aggregate, https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66542--aris-thessaloniki-vs-ipswich/ UEFA 1980/81, First round, 2nd leg – Aris 3–1 Ipswich 20 January 2020 18 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201218165036/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66542--aris-vs-ipswich/?referrer=%2fuefaeuropaleague%2fseason%3d1980%2fmatches%2fround%3d1103%2fmatch%3d66542%2f live where they faced Bohemians of Prague. A 3–0 home win saw Wark on target twice more, who was substituted off with a tendon injury, to be replaced by Kevin Beattie who scored a third for Ipswich with a free kick, https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19801023/633/0027 British Newspaper Archive 23 October 1980 Pool give Aberdeen nightmare Belfast Telegraph 30 January 2020 described in The Times as a "thunderbolt". https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/the-50-greatest-ipswich-town-players-7nqxxx6jgzw The Times 30 January 2020 The 50 greatest Ipswich Town players 6 July 2009 Tim Meston https://web.archive.org/web/20200130161225/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-50-greatest-ipswich-town-players-7nqxxx6jgzw 30 January 2020 live The goal would prove to be pivotal as Ipswich, without regular goalkeeper Paul Cooper, midfielder Thijssen and striker Mariner, all through injury, https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002454/19801102/224/0046 British Newspaper Archive Oh Bobby 2 November 1980 The People 46 30 January 2020 lost the away leg 2–0 with goals from Antonín Panenka and Tibor Mičinec, but qualified for the third round 3–2 on aggregate. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66587--ipswich-vs-bohemians-praha/ UEFA 1980/81, Second round, 1st leg – Ipswich 3–0 Bohemians 1905 20 January 2020 7 December 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241207195220/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66587--ipswich-vs-bohemians-praha/ live https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66588--bohemians-praha-vs-ipswich/ UEFA 1980/81, Second round, 2nd leg – Bohemians 1905 2–0 Ipswich 20 January 2020 18 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201218165054/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66588--bohemians-1905-vs-ipswich/?referrer=%2fuefaeuropaleague%2fseason%3d1980%2fmatches%2fround%3d1104%2fmatch%3d66588%2f live Three weeks later, Ipswich faced Widzew Łódź from Poland, who had defeated Manchester United and Juventus in previous rounds, at Portman Road. Wark once again found the net, scoring a hat-trick with goals from Alan Brazil and Paul Mariner completing a comprehensive 5–0 victory, https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66615--ipswich-vs-widzew/ UEFA 1980/81, Third round, 1st leg – Ipswich 5–0 Widzew 20 January 2020 18 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201218165107/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66615--ipswich-vs-widzew/?referrer=%2fuefaeuropaleague%2fseason%3d1980%2fmatches%2fround%3d1105%2fmatch%3d66615%2f live the only negative being a trip to hospital for Mick Mills for 15 stitches in a cut to his shin. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19801127/594/0029 British Newspaper Archive Belfast Telegraph 27 November 1980 29 Ipswich aces destroy Poles 31 January 2020 On a frozen pitch which many observers considered to be dangerous,https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000271/19801211/698/0022 Ipswich stars given all-clear Ian Hargreaves Liverpool Echo 31 January 2020 11 December 1980 22 Widzew Łódź won the away leg 1–0, with Marek Pięta pl scoring for the hosts but went out 5–1 on aggregate. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66616--widzew-vs-ipswich/ 1980/81, Third round, 2nd leg – Widzew 1–0 Ipswich 20 January 2020 18 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201218165106/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66616--widzew-vs-ipswich/?referrer=%2fuefaeuropaleague%2fseason%3d1980%2fmatches%2fround%3d1105%2fmatch%3d66616%2f live The lead from the first leg allowed Robson to withdraw Mariner and Mühren, as he said that he was prioritising Ipswich's league challenge. After a three-month break, Ipswich faced French team AS Saint-Étienne in the quarter-finals in March 1981, the first leg being held in the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Dutch player Johnny Rep put the home team in the lead after 16 minutes, but a brace from Mariner and goals from Arnold Mühren and John Wark ensured Ipswich took a 4–1 lead into the second leg. https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town/ipswich-town-s-greatest-games-the-blues-thump-the-superstars-of-st-etienne-1-5095222 Ipswich Star Ipswich Town's greatest games: The Blues thump the superstars of St. Etienne Mark Heath 8 July 2017 20 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200220171340/https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town/ipswich-town-s-greatest-games-the-blues-thump-the-superstars-of-st-etienne-1-5095222 20 February 2020 live The victory against the French team has been described as one of the greatest performances in Ipswich's history, with Robson noting: "we have demolished a good side with one of the best victories anyone has achieved in Europe in the past 10 years". https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/mar/04/features.sport10 The Observer 4 March 2007 Frozen in time: 18 March 1981 31 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20141003011912/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/mar/04/features.sport10 3 October 2014 live Ipswich won the game at Portman Road 3–1 with goals from Terry Butcher, Mariner and another penalty from Wark, while Saint-Étienne's consolation goal came from Jacques Zimako. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66632--ipswich-vs-st-etienne/ UEFA 1980/81, Quarter-finals, 2nd leg – Ipswich 3–1 St-Étienne 20 January 2020 17 October 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181017044410/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=1980/matches/round=1106/match=66632/postmatch/lineups/index.html live Winning the tie 7–2 on aggregate, Ipswich progressed to the semi-finals where they met German side 1. FC Köln. Both legs finished 1–0 to Ipswich, Wark scoring again in the home leg, https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66633--ipswich-vs-koln/ UEFA 1980/81, Semi-finals, 1st leg – Ipswich 1–0 Köln 20 January 2020 18 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201218165116/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66633--ipswich-vs-koln/?referrer=%2fuefaeuropaleague%2fseason%3d1980%2fmatches%2fround%3d1107%2fmatch%3d66633%2f live his 12th goal of the European campaign, with Butcher heading in a Thijssen free kick in Cologne. British Newspaper Archive 31 January 2020 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19810409/551/0024 European goal number 12 for Wark 9 April 1981 24 Aberdeen Press and Journal https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66634--koln-vs-ipswich/ UEFA 1980/81, Semi-finals, 2nd leg – Köln 1–0 Ipswich 20 January 2020 18 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201218165110/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/66634--koln-vs-ipswich/?referrer=%2fuefaeuropaleague%2fseason%3d1980%2fmatches%2fround%3d1107%2fmatch%3d66634%2f live The 2–0 aggregate victory ensured that Ipswich qualified for their first (and 2020 y, their only) European cup final, where they would face Dutch team AZ Alkmaar. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/008a-0e6a0a02d996-129ab95150db-1000--1980-81-ipswich-thankful-for-thijssen/ UEFA 1980/81: Ipswich thankful for Thijssen 30 April 2010 20 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20100913041054/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=392026.html 13 September 2010 live The first leg of the 1981 UEFA Cup final took place at Portman Road on 6 May 1981. Ipswich took the lead through Wark who scored from the penalty spot midway through the first half. It was Wark's 13th goal of the European campaign and ensured that he had scored in every round of the competition. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19810507/455/0024 British Newspaper Archive Dazzling Ipswich set to clinch UEFA Cup 7 May 1981 Bob Harris 1 February 2020 Aberdeen Press and Journal 24 The lead was doubled a minute into the second half, following a header from Dutchman Frans Thijssen. https://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/ipswich-town-s-greatest-games-blues-lift-the-uefa-cup-in-1981-1-5055006 Green 'Un Archant 20 January 2020 Ipswich Town's greatest games: Blues lift the UEFA Cup in 1981 Mark Heath 17 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20200220171343/https://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/ipswich-town-s-greatest-games-blues-lift-the-uefa-cup-in-1981-1-5055006 20 February 2020 live A third goal for Ipswich, this time from Paul Mariner, saw the English team win the game and take a 3–0 lead into the second leg at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2079905.html UEFA AZ stir memories of 1981 run 3 April 2014 Berend Scholten 20 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20140601072711/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2079905.html 1 June 2014 dead Thijssen scored four minutes into the second leg, giving Ipswich a 4–0 aggregate lead, but Austrian striker Kurt Welzl pulled one back for AZ minutes later. Playing with two central defenders, the rest of the AZ team attacked,Henderson, p. 26 and Johnny Metgod and Pier Tol scored before half-time, either side of a Wark goal, to take the aggregate to 5–3. Jos Jonker scored AZ's fourth of the day with 16 minutes to go, but Ipswich held on to win 5–4 on aggregate, with their goalkeeper Cooper named as man of the match. As Mühren, one of the two Dutchmen playing for Ipswich, later recalled, "most teams would have given up, but AZ suddenly had wings... AZ seemed possessed that night... we really had to give all we had to reach the end, by the skin of our teeth – relieved and happy". right|thumb|upright|John Wark scored 14 goals during Ipswich's UEFA Cup campaign. Date Round Opponents H/A ResultF–A Scorers Attendance17 September 1980Round 1First legAris SalonikaH5–1Wark 4 (3 pens), Mariner20,8421 October 1980Round 1Second legAris SalonikaA1–3Gates23,30622 October 1980Round 2First legBohemians PragueH3–0Wark 2, Beattie17,1635 November 1980Round 2Second legBohemians PragueA0–213,00026 November 1980Round 3First legWidzew ŁódźH5–0Wark 3, Brazil, Mariner20,44510 December 1980Round 3Second legWidzew ŁódźA0–112,0004 March 1981Quarter-finalFirst legSaint-ÉtienneA4–1Mariner 2, Mühren, Wark36,91918 March 1981Quarter-finalSecond legSaint-ÉtienneH3–1Butcher, Wark (pen), Mariner30,1518 April 1981Semi-finalFirst legFC CologneH1–0Wark24,78022 April 1981Semi-finalSecond legFC CologneA1–0Butcher49,4766 May 1981FinalFirst legAZ AlkmaarH3–0Wark (pen), Thijssen, Mariner27,53220 May 1981FinalSecond legAZ AlkmaarA2–4Thijssen, Wark22,291 Squad statistics Russell Osman was the only player to be ever-present throughout the season, appearing in all 66 matches. https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town/osman-can-gain-just-as-much-satisfaction-in-his-new-town-role-1-805553 Ipswich Star Archant Osman can gain just as much satisfaction in his new Town role Elvin King 18 February 2011 30 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200130145431/https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town/osman-can-gain-just-as-much-satisfaction-in-his-new-town-role-1-805553 30 January 2020 live Source:Henderson, p. 139 right|thumb|upright|The 1980–81 season was Kevin Beattie's last; he broke his arm in the semi-final of the FA Cup and made no further appearances for the club. Pos.NameNationalityLeagueLeague CupFA CupEuropeTotalAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals GK Paul Cooper ENG 38 0 5 0 7 0 11 0 61 0 GK Laurie Sivell ENG 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 DF Kevin Beattie ENG 7 1 0 0 2 0 2 (6) 1 11 (6) 2 DF George Burley SCO 23 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 34 0 DF Terry Butcher ENG 40 4 5 0 7 0 12 2 64 6 DF Allan Hunter NIR 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 MF Steve McCall ENG 30 (1) 1 2 0 4 (1) 0 9 (1) 0 45 (3) 1 DF Mick Mills ENG 33 0 5 0 6 0 10 0 54 0 DF Russell Osman ENG 42 1 5 2 7 0 12 0 66 3 DF Tommy Parkin ENG 2 (2) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 (2) 0 DF Kevin Steggles ENG 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 8 0 MF Arnold Mühren NED 41 5 5 1 7 1 12 1 65 8 MF Kevin O'Callaghan IRL 11 (13) 0 1 (1) 0 0 (4) 0 0 (5) 0 12 (23) 0 MF Roger Osborne ENG 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 MF Frans Thijssen NED 31 3 4 0 7 1 10 2 52 6 MF John Wark SCO 40 18 5 2 7 2 12 14 64 36 FW Alan Brazil SCO 35 17 4 0 7 0 12 1 58 18 FW Mich d'Avray ENG 1 (3) 1 1 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 2 (4) 1 FW Eric Gates ENG 37 11 5 0 7 2 11 1 60 14 FW Paul Mariner ENG 36 13 4 4 7 3 11 6 58 26 FW Robin Turner ENG 3 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 3 (2) 0 Records and awards Robson and five different players won major awards for their performances during the season; a further two players were shortlisted for accolades. Leading the way was Wark, who set a UEFA Cup record by scoring 14 goals, including two in the final. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-13455199 BBC News Ipswich Town 1981 Uefa Cup victory exhibition 20 May 2011 6 May 2020 1 October 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211001103325/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-13455199 live This equalled the then long-standing scoring record in a European competition, set by José Altafini of A.C. Milan in the 1962–63 European Cup. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01c5-0e6e867e3775-b975a9ef426c-1000--altafini-reflects-on-milan-marvel/ Altafini reflects on Milan marvel Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 19 March 2012 18 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20130528030031/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=588365.html 28 May 2013 liveThe tally was exceeded by Jürgen Klinsmann, who scored 15 in the 1995–96 UEFA Cup.https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01d9-0e722cf52c11-a726c9320dcb-1000--love-conquers-all-in-uefa-cup-goal-race/ Love conquers all in UEFA Cup goal race 20 May 2009 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 19 March 2012 live https://web.archive.org/web/20130528034708/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=829171.html 28 May 2013 nb Wark's personal accolades that year included winning the European Young Player of the Year, and, voted by his fellow professionals in England, the PFA Player of the Year award. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1287470.stm Only here for the peers BBC Sport 27 May 2009 20 April 2001 18 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200918144637/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1287470.stm live He ended the 1980–81 season with 36 goals. https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town-s-12-greats-of-christmas-john-wark-1-5829064 East Anglian Daily Times 18 January 2020 24 December 2018 Ipswich Town's 12 Greats of Christmas: Number 2 – John Wark Mark Heath 23 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423181246/https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town-s-12-greats-of-christmas-john-wark-1-5829064 dead right|thumb|upright|Bobby Robson was named Bell's Whisky Manager of the Month three times throughout the 1980–81 season. Award Recipient Notes Ref(s) Manager of the Month (3) ENG Bobby Robson Robson was named Bell's Whisky Manager of the Month in August 1980, February 1981 and March 1981.Player of the YearENG Paul Cooper Cooper and his defence kept 27 clean sheets during the season. https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/candidates-for-ipswich-town-player-of-the-year-award-1-5959250 East Anglian Daily Times 28 March 2019 Picking Ipswich Town's shining light in a dark season – the contenders for the player of the year award Archant Andy Warren 30 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20190925180424/https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/candidates-for-ipswich-town-player-of-the-year-award-1-5959250 25 September 2019 live Henderson, p. 138 PFA First Division Team of the YearENG Russell OsmanLynch The Official P.F.A. Footballers Heroes 143NED Frans ThijssenSCO John WarkENG Paul MarinerFootball Writers' Association Footballer of the YearNED Frans Thijssen Four Ipswich players were in the top six: Mick Mills was runner-up, John Wark third, and Arnold Mühren sixth. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Give_Us_Tomorrow_Now/9RWgEQAAQBAJ 328 Give Us Tomorrow Now: Alan Durban's Mission Impossible David Snowdon Pitch Publishing Ltd 2018 978-1-78531-448-3PFA Players' Player of the Year SCO John Wark Ipswich players dominated the top three, with Frans Thijssen second and Paul Mariner third.Young European Player of the Year http://scottishfootballhalloffame.co.uk/john-wark/ Scottish Football Hall of Fame John Wark 30 January 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200130105515/http://scottishfootballhalloffame.co.uk/john-wark/ 30 January 2020 live France Football European Team of the Year ENG Ipswich TownHenderson, pp. 126–127 Notes nb References Citations Source 1980–81 – The Greatest Season in Ipswich Town's History https://www.google.com/books/edition/1980_81/XamdMwEACAAJ?hl=en White Space Design 978-0-9548737-2-1 2010 Mel Henderson Category:Ipswich Town F.C. seasons Ipswich Town F.C. Category:UEFA Europa League–winning seasons