As the Football League playoffs begin for the 40th time, newly accessed archives reveal the turbulent origins of a format that has become a cherished part of English football. The idea emerged from a crisis in the mid-1980s, when hooliganism, the Bradford stadium fire, falling attendances, and a television blackout threatened the league's survival. In December 1985, officials from all four divisions met at the Post House hotel near Heathrow to thrash out a solution.
The proposal came from Brentford's chairman, Martin Lange, as a way to generate revenue for lower-league clubs. The concept had first been floated in 1972 by Football League secretary Alan Hardaker but gained no traction. Under the 'Heathrow agreement', the First Division would shrink from 22 to 20 teams, with a staggered promotion and relegation system supplemented by playoffs. The format was initially intended to run for two years but proved popular with spectators.
Not everyone was convinced. Meeting minutes describe the plans as 'the best of a bad job', and First Division chairs threatened to break away if the agreement was not adopted. At an extraordinary general meeting on 28 April 1986, the proposals were reluctantly accepted. The playoff structure was confirmed on 23 May 1986: two-legged semi-finals and finals, decided by away goals, with replays if needed. Coin tosses for venue were later replaced by neutral grounds.
The backlash came swiftly after the first playoffs in 1987. Swindon Town manager Lou Macari, whose side won the Third Division final, called for the format to be abolished. Joe Royle was furious after Oldham Athletic lost on away goals. Despite early criticism, the playoffs endured, evolving into the 'richest game in football'—the Championship final—and a staple of the English football calendar.
