The club were relegated again after winning only 11 in 42 matches in the 1979–80 season, which eventually resulted in Bobby Campbell's dismissal in October 1980, to be replaced by Malcolm Macdonald. With a strong squad during his 1980–1984 period in charge (with players such as Ray Houghton, Tony Gale, Paul Parker, Gerry Peyton and Ray Lewington), they won promotion again in 1981–82 back to the Second Division, although the promotion was overshadowed by the suicide of former defender Dave Clement a few weeks before promotion was sealed.
The club were relegated again after winning only 11 in 42 matches in the 1979–80 season which eventually resulted in Bobby Campbell's dismissal in October 1980 to be replaced by Malcolm Macdonald With a strong squad during his 1980–1984 period in charge (with players such as Ray Houghton Tony Gale Paul Parker Gerry Peyton and Ray Lewington) they won promotion again in 1981–82 back to the Second Division although the promotion was overshadowed by the suicide of former defender Dave Clement a few weeks before promotion was sealed