Atkinson returned to Albion in the autumn of 1987 and they emerged as promotion contenders in 1988-89. But Atkinson was lured away to Atlético Madrid in November 1988 and midfielder Brian Talbot, 35, took over as player-manager. Talbot's reign started well and Albion were still looking well placed for promotion with three months of the season remaining, but their form slumped during the final quarter of the campaign and they missed ou on the playoffs. 1989–90 brought even more frustration as Albion finished 20th in the Second Division – their lowest final position ever at that stage. The Albion board finally lost patience with Talbot in January 1991 after they lost 4–2 at home to non-league Woking in the Third Round of the FA Cup. He was replaced by Bobby Gould, who was unable to prevent Albion from being relegated to the Third Division for the first time in their history.