3rd November 1987
On 3rd November 1987, Chelsea’s impressive record of being unbeaten in 86 consecutive home League matches came to an end. This day marked the beginning of a less favourable record for the club. Chelsea faced Arsenal in a First Division match and suffered a 3-1 defeat. This loss was the start of a 21-match winless streak in the League, a record that Chelsea would rather forget. The sequence of matches without a victory concluded with a 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea managed to break the streak the following week on 9th April by defeating Derby in another home match. Despite this victory, it was their last League win of the season, and Chelsea were relegated. The poor run of form led to the sacking of manager John Hollins, a former player for the club.
3rd November 2001
On 3rd November 2001, Tony Ford made his final appearance in the Football League, playing in midfield for Rochdale. The match saw Rochdale secure a 2-0 victory over Torquay United at Spotland in a Division 3 encounter. Ford’s career in the League began when he made his debut as a 16-year-old in 1975. Over the years, he amassed a remarkable 931 League appearances, setting a record for an outfield player. This achievement stands as a testament to his enduring presence and contribution to the game over several decades.