The OT Story: 1975-1991

rewarding development continued, as extra function rooms were added into the 1980s, by which time the cantilever roof had been extended to encompass the whole ground apartfrom the Stretford End.

A return to European competition – the Reds qualified for the 1976/77 UEFA Cup by finishing third in the First Division – underlined the need for new floodlights. These were duly installed, and, with so many facilities now offered by the lavishly upgraded stadium, it was natural that new uses would emerge. In September 1981, cricket made its debut at the ground as Lancashire faced Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire met Derbyshire in the floodlit Lambert & Butler seven-a-side tournament. Black sightscreens, white balls and yellow pads made for a somewhat surreal atmosphere. Rather more controversial was the suggestion that rock concerts could be staged on the sacred turf, with plans for Queen to perform in May 1982. Objections by local residents were upheld by the council, however, and the event was switched to Elland Road, Leeds. It would not be until the next decade that Old Trafford would play host to leading