Graeme Souness's 1984–85 Double

Lore & Background

Johnston was the second player to cross the Old Firm divide since World War II (after Alfie Conn) and the first open Catholic to play for Rangers since World War I. His move from Celtic to Rangers in 1989 angered both sets of fans; Rangers fans burned scarves and threatened to hand in season tickets, while Celtic fans called him Judas.

Reader's Guide

Johnston signed for Everton on 18 November 1991 for £1.5M, forming a three-man strikeforce with Tony Cottee and Peter Beardsley. He scored 7 goals in 21 league games in 1991–92, and 3 goals in 13 games in 1992–93. He lost his place to Paul Rideout and was given a free transfer in October 1993 after attempts to sell him failed.

Did You Know?

• Everton lost the 1984 FA Cup Final 2–0 to Liverpool, not won it.
• Johnston helped Watford reach the 1984 FA Cup Final, which they lost 2–0 to Everton.
• Johnston scored a penalty for Scotland against Sweden at the 1990 World Cup.

Early Struggles and Newcastle Resurgence

Peter Andrew Beardsley's path to professional stardom was far from linear, marked by early rejections before he found his footing in the North East. After unsuccessful trials with Gillingham, Burnley, and Cambridge United as a youth player, he began his senior career at Carlisle United. A subsequent stint in North America with Vancouver Whitecaps and a brief, unproductive spell at Manchester United followed before his career trajectory shifted dramatically. Partnering with the legendary Kevin Keegan in his final playing season, Beardsley scored 20 league goals to help the Magpies secure promotion. His impact was immediate, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick against Manchester City and another against local rivals Sunderland, establishing him as a key figure before his eventual move to Merseyside.

The Record-Breaking Transfer

Beardsley's time at Newcastle United culminated in one of the most significant transfers in English football history. After four successful seasons on Tyneside, where he tallied an impressive 61 league goals, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish orchestrated a national record move to secure his services. In July 1987, following a difficult relegation battle for Newcastle, Dalglish presented a £1.9 million offer which manager Willie McFaul accepted. This fee set a new benchmark in the English game at the time. Interestingly, the transfer saga had earlier complications; years later, Alex Ferguson revealed he had attempted to sign Beardsley for Manchester United with a bid of £2 million. However, McFaul firmly rejected this offer, stating he would not sell even if Ferguson increased his bid to £3 million. This steadfast refusal from Newcastle's management ultimately paved the way for Beardsley to join Liverpool, where he was intended to form a formidable attacking unit alongside John Barnes and John Aldridge.

The 1987–88 League Title Campaign

Upon joining Liverpool in August 1987, Beardsley immediately integrated into a high-flying squad that included new signing John Barnes and established striker John Aldridge. Their debut match against Arsenal saw the new trio in action, with Aldridge scoring early to secure a 2–1 victory. This partnership effectively replaced the legendary Dalglish-Rush combination as Ian Rush departed for Juventus and Kenny Dalglish transitioned into a managerial role with limited playing time. Beardsley's first goal came quickly against Coventry City, contributing to a season where Liverpool achieved a record-equalling 29-match unbeaten start in the league. The team dominated the campaign, suffering only two defeats en route to securing the League title. Beardsley finished as the club's second-highest scorer with 15 goals, matching John Barnes and trailing only Aldridge, cementing his status as a crucial component of this championship-winning side.

The Heartbreak at Wembley

Despite dominating the league campaign in 1987–88, Beardsley's first season at Liverpool ended in profound disappointment during the FA Cup final against Wimbledon. The match remains infamous for a controversial refereeing decision that cost Liverpool a potential equalizer. Beardsley had found the net, but his goal was disallowed after the referee ruled he should have been awarded a free-kick for an earlier foul rather than allowing play to continue. This denial proved fatal as Wimbledon held on for a 1–0 victory thanks to a looping header by Lawrie Sanchez, denying Liverpool the coveted 'double'. Aldridge also missed a penalty in the second half, compounding the frustration. Although Beardsley helped the team win the FA Cup the following year after Ian Rush's return, that initial Wembley heartbreak defined the end of an otherwise triumphant league season where he had been instrumental in their record-breaking run.