During the 1980–81 English football season, Queens Park Rangers competed in the Second Division Having led the Rangers to a fifth-place finish in the Second Division in his first season in charge, manager Tommy Docherty fell out with chairman and Gregory resulted in him leaving the club by mutual consent at the end of that season but, following a player revolt, he was reinstated as boss nine days later, ahead of the start of the 1980/81 season.

After failing in an attempt to sign Andy Ritchie from his former club Manchester United, "Doc" announced that Ritchie should not sign for Chelsea because he was too good for the Second Division, despite the R's competing in the same league themselves.

[citation needed] Rangers chairman Gregory made Docherty apologise to the Chelsea chairman and following a goalless draw with Leyton Orient – and with Rangers towards the bottom of the second tier – he was dismissed and left the club for a third and final time.

his replacement Terry Venables previous club Crystal Palace were bottom of division one when he left during October to join Second Division Queens Park Rangers.With 11 away defeats rangers fell to eighth position seven points short of the third promotion spot.

Cup eventual winners Tottenham Hotspur triumphed after a replay [1] Adidas remained as QPR's kit manufacturers.