Newcastle United had declared that they were not in the premier league to make up the numbers but intended to challenge for the title. They spent heavily by bringing in Andy Cole, Ruel Fox and Peter Beardsley as Kevin Keegan publicly admitted that their aim was to win the title like Leeds in the first season after getting promoted.
West Ham, on the other hand, decided to use their cash by bringing in numbers over quality to ensure that they survive their first season back in the premier league. They focused on free transfers from premier league clubs and lower league players to make a competitive squad.
Swindon Town, on the other hand, was the surprise inclusion of in the league and were the favourites to go down straight away. Their mercurial manager Glenn Hoddle was off to Chelsea and they did not have much depth in their squad.
