North West Club Micro-Stories & Fan Identity
Burnley
On 9 May 1987, facing the threat of automatic relegation out of the Football League, Burnley defeated Leyton Orient 2-1 at Turf Moor before 15,700 fans to preserve their league status in folklore.
Oldham Athletic
Joe Royle built an electrifying side on Boundary Park's synthetic pitch, reaching the 1990 Littlewoods Cup Final and famous FA Cup semi-final replays against Manchester United.
Tranmere Rovers
Manager Johnny King took Tranmere from near-bankruptcy in 1987 to the Division Four promotion in 1989 and multiple Wembley visits, creating a legendary golden era on the Wirral.
Altrincham
In January 1986, non-league Altrincham produced one of the greatest FA Cup giant-killings, defeating First Division Birmingham City 2-1 at St Andrew's.
Preston North End
After surviving the Fourth Division re-election vote in 1986, Preston installed a pioneering synthetic pitch at Deepdale and won automatic promotion under John McGrath in 1987.
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton rebuilt under Phil Neal, winning the 1989 Sherpa Van Trophy at Wembley before 46,000 supporters and regaining promotion to Division Three.
Everton
Howard Kendall managed the greatest Everton side of the modern era: 1984 FA Cup, 1985 & 1987 League Champions, and 1985 European Cup Winners' Cup glory in Rotterdam.
Liverpool
Kenny Dalglish became player-manager and won the League and FA Cup Double in 1986, followed by the brilliant 1987/88 Barnes-Beardsley-Aldridge title-winning side.
AFC Fylde
Formed in 1988 following the amalgamation of Kirkham and Wesham, the club dominated the West Lancashire League, setting foundations for their extraordinary 21st-century pyramid ascent.