1989–90 was a difficult season and Machin was sacked in November with relegation looking a real possibility. Probably the season's most memorable match was a 5–1 drubbing of locals rivals Manchester United, a dejected Alex Ferguson later said it was the most "embarrassing" managerial defeat of his career. Machin was replaced by former Everton manager Howard Kendall, who achieved survival and built the foundations for a good start to the 1990–91 season.
