in 1970. The year 1971 was turbulent, as manager Janne Holmberg left in the middle of the season due to a dispute with the board. Former top player Sylve Bengtsson replaced him and the club subsequently defeated Perstorps SK in the league final, securing 2nd place and qualifying for promotion to Allsvenskan. The spell in the top league lasted only 1 year, however, as the club ended up dead last, scoring only 14 goals that year. 1973 saw the club again achieve promotion, this time under the leadership of Sven Agne Larsson, who led the club through 20 games in a row without a defeat. The club spent the next two years in Allsvenskan fighting off relegation, finishing in 11th place in 1974 and, in 1975, only surviving by beating GAIS on goal difference. In 1976 Halmstads BK hired Roy Hodgson as new manager and success came immediately, as the club went on to win Allsvenskan for the first time ever. The title was won in the second last game against IFK Norrköping. The last match against Östers IF was seen by 16000 people cheering for the team. Halmstads BK ended up in 8th place in 1977 season and Dynamo Dresden proved too strong in the first round of European Cup. Yet again the club ended in 8th place in 1978. Mats Jingblad was moved up from the club's youth system this year. Halmstads BK won their second title in 1979. Just like after last time winning Allsvenskan, Halmstad ended up in 8th place in 1980 and in the European Cup Danish Esbjerg fB proved too strong with 0–0 home and 2–3 away, Roy Hodgson also left during the autumn to take over Bristol City. To the 1981 season Halmstads BK hired Dutch manager Jan Mak and with him came Frank Schinkels, the first non Swedish player in the club, but with a poor start saw the club end up in 9th place. In 1982 the club ended up in 8th and earned a spot in the play-off, but IFK Göteborg proved too strong with 2–4 totally. In 1983 the club climbed two positions much due to British goalkeeper Ken Allen. 1984 started with a fight between the board and manager Jan Mak and it ended it with Jan Mak leaving the club, he was replaced by Stefan Lundin, the club reached 8th place and IFK Göteborg proved too strong