During summer the Board appointed Archie Gemmill as its new coach assistant, the former midfielder returned to the club after six seasons.[1] Another arrival was midfielder Neil Webb in June, manager Brian Clough paid Portsmouth £250,000[2] reinforcing an ageing squad. To reinforce the defensive line, Left-back Defender Stuart Pearce was brought by manager Brian Clough. Pearce was the makeweight in a £300,000 deal that saw Coventry City centre-back Ian Butterworth move to Forest.[3] The already ageing squad is rebuilding for this season, Dutch Goalkeeper Hans Segers with several injuries was replaced by Steve Sutton as starter. In defence, after the departure of Kevin Swain the right back position was covered by Northern Irish Gary Fleming.[4] Central backs Paul Hart and Chris Fairclough were replaced by arrival Buttersworth and young defender Des Walker who had his breakthrough as starter. On the left back Scottish Jim McInally left his post as starter being replaced by arrival young defender Stuart Pearce. In the midfield, Clough reinforced the line with Right winger Franz Carr (he was already in the team since August 1984) and the new arrival Neil Webb for the central midfield amongst Metgod and veteran Ian Bowyer. The strikers line was completed by young forward Nigel Clough and veteran Davenport who clinched a transfer to Manchester United on 12 March 1986 for a fee of £750,000.[5]
The rebuilding had a cost for the club finishing on a mediocre 8th spot in League. The club opted out of Full Members' Cup in its 1985–86 edition.
Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
On June 2, 1985 English teams were banned by UEFA from its competitions from the season 1985–86 on until the season 1990–91 because of the Heysel Disaster in 1985, involving Liverpool fans.[6]
