The following season, Adamson was replaced as manager by Allan Clarke. Chandler had injured his ankle just prior to Clarke's arrival, which kept him out for six weeks after the new manager's installment. Upon his return, Chandler was put straight into the first-team due to an injury to Arthur Graham, playing in a 2–1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on 22 October 1980. His lack of playing time meant he was severely short of match fitness and he struggled to complete the 90 minutes. He was dropped from the squad by Clarke for the following game and went to discuss his situation at the club with him, but Clarke told him, "When you've done what I've done in the game come back and see me. Until then turn around and get out!".