Striker Sandy Clark was signed from Airdrie to replace the departed David Cross, who had gone to Manchester City. After an opening day defeat against Nottingham Forest the Hammers hit a purple patch with five successive wins, Sandy Clark scoring five goals. Included in the run was a 5–0 home thrashing of Birmingham City and a decent 3–2 win at Arsenal. Stoke City were beaten in the League Cup but the Potters got their revenge days later, winning 5–2 in the league game. Third Division Lincoln City were the next opponents in the League Cup and after a replay they were beaten 2–1 at the Boleyn Ground. The fourth-round League Cup tie saw a thrilling 3–3 draw at Notts County where Van Der Elst scored a hat-trick; back at the Boleyn the Hammers won 3–0 in the replay.

On New Year’s Day 17-year-old Tony Cottee made his debut against Tottenham and scored the first goal in the 3–0 victory. An early exit from the FA Cup was made in the 2–0 defeat at Manchester United. Following on was four defeats, three in the league and a 2–1 loss in the League Cup at Liverpool.

With just one win in February and March the Hammers were plunging down the table. Sandy Clark was sold to Glasgow Rangers and Dave Swindlehurst was bought from Derby County. A revival began when Swindlehurst scored on his home debut in a 2–1 win over Watford. Trevor Brooking had been absent all season with a groin injury and 18-year-old Alan Dickens was drafted into the side and scored twice in the 5–1 victory at Swansea. Three straight wins in April saw hopes of a European place, but 2–0 defeats at both Manchester City and Everton put paid to that. Tony Cottee scored twice at Coventry as the Hammers won 4–2 on the final day of the season to finish in eighth place.