 Within a year of Taylor's arrival, Forest were promoted to the First Division after securing third automatic promotion place in 1976 – 77. Taylor and Clough then decided to replace goalkeeper John Middleton with Peter Shilton, whom they purchased for £ 270,000; Taylor reasoned: "Shilton wins you matches." After spending some time secretly following Kenny Burns he came to the conclusion that Burns's reputation as a hard drinker and gambler was exaggerated and he sanctioned a £ 145,000 move for the player, who would become FWA Footballer of the Year in 1977 – 78 after being converted from centre-forward to a sweeper role. Clough and Taylor were appointed joint-managers of the England youth team in December 1977, but the pair resigned after less than a year in charge as Forest's success meant they struggled to make time to also coach the England players.
