ON THIS DAY

Steve McClaren took charge of his first match as England manager, dropping David Beckham for the friendly against European champions Greece at Old Trafford which England won 4-0.

They say that more dreams are shattered after the first match of the season than at any other time. Bristol Rovers didn't do too badly in their first Division 2 match of the 1980/81 season, drawing 1-1 with Orient (no Leyton in their name in those days!). Their problems started that evening though when a fire caught hold in the south stand of their Eastville ground, destroying the stand which housed the club offices and changing rooms. They were forced to play their next five matches on 'enemy' territory - Bristol City's Ashton Gate ground - and their season then went from bad to worse. They finished bottom and were relegated along with Bristol City who finished one place above them.