I attended special Howard Wilkinson tribute lunch at Leeds United — what he told me spoke volumes — Leeds Live 9/12/25

A fundraising lunch saw the great and the good of Wilkinson’s 1992 title winning side show their support for their old manager

Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter

When you do something special for Leeds United, supporters will make sure they return the favour, and then some.

Fans clubbed together to fund a statue of Don Revie, unveiled in 2012. Marcelo Bielsa is muralised across the city on various architecture. John Charles, Eddie Gray, Gary Speed, Pablo Hernandez and Raphinha have all been the subject of artwork.

So, many feel a permanent tribute to the great Howard Wilkinson is long overdue, and are doing something about it. The 82-year-old remains the last English manager to win the top flight while at Leeds and Thorp Arch was his brain child.

Think of all the academy products and England internationals who have passed through those doors. Think of all the talent that has trodden the turf of St George’s Park, the base for national teams in which Wilkinson was instrumental in establishing.

It’s no wonder that he has been inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. It’s also no wonder why so many are so keen for the former Three Lions caretaker boss to have his own statue at Elland Road.

The WILKO92 campaign launched in June amid the hope of raising £140,000 for ‘Sargeant Wilko’ to be immortalised in bronze. The club signalled its support at the time and formally announced its backing last month.

A fundraising three-course lunch was hosted in the newly-furbished Hisense Lounge in the East Stand of Elland Road last Friday, where the great and the good of Wilkinson’s 1992 title winning side - and others - came to show their support, as many have done at previous events.

Highlights of that season were looped on the big screens either side of the stage as the master of the mic, Jed Stone, floated around the various tables that hosted one of the playing legends. The likes of Imre Varadi, Nigel Martyn and Tony Dorigo all retold tales from the era.

Jon Newsome shared how his father urged him to sign for Leeds after they were treated to a steak dinner by Wilkinson, who wouldn’t speak to the then 20-year-old defender without his dad being present, out of respect.

Andy Williams - who said he found “a family” in the Leeds dressing room - recounted how the players would not see the manager until the Thursday before a game, having spent the previous days studiously poring over footage of the opposition in analysis.

The hilarious Mel Sterland, who was in fine form with fantastic one-liners, said he found a “best friend” in Wilkinson. The central figure himself took to the stage alongside his captain, Gordon Strachan, after desert.

The Scotsman brought the house down with fantastic and funny tales from the 1991/92 season, going on to state the boss “changed his life”. As was his mannerism while manager, Wilkinson was very considered in his answers in the Q&A while also displaying his sharp and witty humour at times.

When the great man spoke, you could hear a pin drop, so invested were guests in what he had to say. One decided to facetime the conversation to friends and loved ones on his phone. Everybody wanted to hear Wilko's recollections.

After reminiscing about the title run and his work away from Leeds, Wilkinson was presented with a special accolade by LUSCOS - the Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia, whose members had travelled from Norway to be there.

The day was not done yet, with Eddie Gray and Lucas Radebe invited up for a Q&A. The latter, seen signing autographs and posing for photographs ahead of the dinner, has been in Leeds all week.

After bringing over Kaiser Chiefs’ Under-21s to play at Thorp Arch, Radebe stayed for the Chelsea game and was seen high-fiving fans from the director’s box after full-time against Liverpool. The Chief was well pleased.

Just 24 hours earlier, Radebe recounted how he couldn’t believe being told he'd be playing right wing on his debut. He also retold the memorable occasion where stepped in as goalkeeper against Manchester United in 1996, only being beaten by a Roy Keane strike in the 73rd minute.

A shirt bearing the signature of a future teammate of Keane, Eric Cantona, with other Leeds squad members was later part of the fundraising auction. Gary McAllister donated a shirt with his signature on it, which was bought for £1,700 by a woman who had just got engaged at Elland Road.

She later bought a match-worn Wilfried Gnonto jersey, while Anton Stach’s own top was sold off too. A concurrent raffle collected more than £2,000 on the day too, while the auction itself brought in £7,500 in all.

Many more events are planned by the WILKO92 group, while the club themselves are honouring both Wilkinson and Bielsa in the East Stand, with commemorative walls by the reception.

The club explained on its website: “Bielsa Place will honour the man who brought belief, passion, and top-flight football back to Leeds United.

“This special area features a marble replica of the bucket, the very one he famously sat on while masterminding our return to the Premier League, as well as a stone silhouette capturing one of his most iconic images. A celebration of football purity, innovation, and unforgettable nights under the Elland Road lights.”

The club added: “Howard’s Way pays tribute to the man who led us to becoming champions of England. A bespoke marble seat will stand proudly, etched with his achievements, alongside a stone silhouette of Howard Wilkinson lifting the First Division trophy, a symbol of glory, grit, and Leeds United pride.”

Wilkinson is a man synonymous with the name Leeds United. It is right that his legacy is being written into stone by both the club and its fans.

This is the manager who last won the top flight for Leeds, the last Englishman to do so - and he might hold both titles for some time yet.

Those who have had the pleasure of meeting Wilkinson will know how humble a gentleman he is. You can also tell why he was so popular with his players.

I shared the lift with him down to the ground floor after the lunch. When I asked whether he'd enjoyed the afternoon, he replied: ‘Oh yes - how can you not?’.

Then in his humorous manner with a glint in his eye, he turned to his loved ones and said: “This gentleman will be driving us home.”

I wish, Mr Wilkinson, I wish.