After Malcolm Macdonald’s exit, Coach Ray Harford took over on a temporary basis for the remainder of the 1983/84 season and a run of five wins in six games led to his confirmation in the job in a full-time capacity.
He was virtually unknown when he joined the backroom staff in 1981 but, as the Club progressed and a steady stream of talented youngsters made their mark in the side, Harford's talents became more widely appreciated.
At Fulham, the ground was increasingly cut from under Harford as the best players were sold, and he departed at the end of the 1985/86 season after relegation from the Second Division.
As he was to show in his post-Fulham career at Wimbledon, Luton Town, Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers, he was an exceptionally talented coach.
