Bolton had been relegated to the Fourth Division for the first time in their history but went on to win promotion at the first attempt after finishing third during the 1987–88 season. However, Chandler played little part in the success, having suffered a serious knee injury after falling awkwardly whilst jumping to head a ball in only his fourth game of the season, a League Cup tie against Wigan Athletic. Although he was expected to miss the remainder of the season, he did return to make one appearance as a substitute in a match against Colchester United at the end of the season.