So sang EastEnders pin-up Nick Berry in his iciness 1986 chart-topper, an epic, piano-driven meditation on Kipling’s two imposters. At about the identical time, the younger midfielder Kevin Langley turned into taking part in a dream first season with Everton, having signed from Wigan. He made 16 appearances of their title-triumphing marketing campaign, scoring crucial goals early on – but then the robust Peter Reid back from injury and he was loaned to Manchester City simply earlier than the transfer deadline in March 1987. Different times, and not just due to the fact there has been a switch cut-off date in March: City have been a minor shambles who went directly to be relegated. (That’s the situation of any other famous Knowledge query.)The story nearly had a peculiar twist when Langley went to Goodison Park with City at the start of May. Everton had to win to clinch the identify; it was additionally possible, depending on effects some other place, for City’s relegation to be confirmed. Instead Langley helped City to an honourable, if in the end futile goalless draw.

Langley joined City on a permanent deal inside the summer season but soon moved directly to Birmingham, via a mortgage spell at Chester. He did at least play sufficient games for Everton in 1986-87 to earn a winners’ medal, which wasn’t the case for our next solution.

“Tony Agana commenced the 1991-92 season at Sheffield United inside the old Division One,” writes James Kirk. “He signed for Notts County in November and then joined Leeds on loan in February, gambling two times for the eventual champions [and being selected ahead of Eric Cantona in the second of those games – Knowledge Ed]. Notts County had been relegated even as the Blades finished 9th. So he became out for the champions, a mid-desk crew and a relegated facet all within the identical season. To positioned the icing at the cake, he also managed to score against both Notts County and Leeds whilst at Sheffield United.”

And so the 21st century, wherein these odd testimonies are nevertheless being informed. “This happened as lately as ultimate season,” offers Paul Wilson. “Siriki Dembélé began 2021-22 at Peterborough, playing 25 instances, earlier than being signed by Bournemouth, wherein he made thirteen appearances. At the give up of the season, Peterborough were relegated from the Championship and Bournemouth have been promoted to the Premier League.”In 2013-14, the Brazilian striker Léo Baptistão made five La Liga appearances for his discern club Atlético Madrid, who broke in all likelihood the strongest duopoly in soccer history by means of prevailing the Spanish identify, before happening mortgage to Real Betis after Christmas. You can workout the relaxation.

The following season, Loïc Rémy took the other adventure: he made two league appearances for QPR before becoming a member of the eventual champions Chelsea. And in 2010-eleven, James Beattie regarded for both Rangers (Scottish champions) and Blackpool (relegated from the Premier League).