 He retained his position in the team for the next few games before the fit again Nick Holmes regained his place.In his first two seasons as a professional he made only eleven appearances, but in November 1982 he eventually claimed the number 3 shirt as his own, ousting Steve Baker, where he formed a partnership with England international Mick Mills.In 1983 McMenemy decided to adopt the continental idea of a sweeper, and Agboola's "quick and alert defending" ideally suited him to the role, to such good effect that in 1983–84 Southampton recorded their highest-ever final position, second place behind Liverpool, as well as reaching the FA Cup Semi-final at Highbury where they lost 1–0 to Everton in extra time.