A Strong League Finish
Under the leadership of Billy Bremner, Leeds United finished 4th in the Second Division, a remarkable achievement considering the competitive nature of the league. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, garnering a solid fanbase that supported them throughout the season. With an average attendance exceeding 31,000 at home matches, the supporters played a crucial role in motivating the players on the pitch.
Key Player Movements
One significant event during the season was the transfer of Ian Snodin to Everton for £840,000 on January 6, 1987. This move highlighted Leeds United’s ability to produce top talent, even as they sought to solidify their own squad for a promotion push.
The Play-Offs: A Heartbreaking Journey
Leeds United made a valiant effort to reclaim their place in the First Division through the play-offs. In the semi-finals, they faced Oldham Athletic, who were desperate for promotion to the top tier for the first time since 1923. Leeds triumphed over Oldham in a dramatic encounter, equalizing in the dying moments and securing their place in the final.
However, the final against Charlton Athletic proved to be a bitter disappointment. After a 1-0 victory in the first leg, Leeds entered the second leg with high hopes. Unfortunately, they lost 2-1 after extra time, missing out on promotion yet again. The narrow defeat underscored the unpredictability of the play-off system and left fans longing for a return to the First Division.
FA Cup Semi-Final
In addition to their league campaign, Leeds United also made a deep run in the FA Cup, reaching the semi-finals. Their journey ended in a thrilling match against Coventry City, where they were narrowly defeated 3-2. This match showcased the competitive spirit of Bremner’s side, further endearing them to the loyal fanbase.
Conclusion
The 1986-87 season was a pivotal year for Leeds United, marked by strong performances, heartbreaking near-misses, and a dedicated fanbase. Under Bremner’s management, the club showed promise and resilience, setting the stage for future successes. The experiences of this season would ultimately shape the team’s ambitions as they aimed for a return to the top tier of English football.
Second Division 1986-87 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derby County | 42 | 25 | 9 | 8 | 64 | 38 | +26 | 84 |
| 2 | Portsmouth | 42 | 23 | 9 | 10 | 53 | 28 | +25 | 78 |
| 3 | Oldham Athletic | 42 | 22 | 9 | 11 | 65 | 44 | +21 | 75 |
| 4 | Leeds United | 42 | 19 | 11 | 12 | 58 | 44 | +14 | 68 |
| 5 | Ipswich Town | 42 | 17 | 13 | 12 | 59 | 43 | +16 | 64 |
| 6 | Crystal Palace | 42 | 19 | 5 | 18 | 51 | 53 | −2 | 62 |
| 7 | Plymouth Argyle | 42 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 62 | 57 | +5 | 61 |
| 8 | Stoke City | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 63 | 53 | +10 | 58 |
| 9 | Sheffield United | 42 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 50 | 49 | +1 | 58 |
| 10 | Bradford City | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 62 | 62 | 0 | 55 |
| 11 | Barnsley | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 49 | 52 | −3 | 55 |
| 12 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 45 | 55 | −10 | 55 |
| 13 | Reading | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 52 | 59 | −7 | 53 |
| 14 | Hull City | 42 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 41 | 55 | −14 | 53 |
| 15 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 51 | 49 | +2 | 51 |
| 16 | Millwall | 42 | 14 | 9 | 19 | 39 | 45 | −6 | 51 |
| 17 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 54 | 61 | −7 | 51 |
| 18 | Shrewsbury Town | 42 | 15 | 6 | 21 | 41 | 53 | −12 | 51 |
| 19 | Birmingham City | 42 | 11 | 17 | 14 | 47 | 59 | −12 | 50 |
| 20 | Sunderland | 42 | 12 | 12 | 18 | 49 | 59 | −10 | 48 |
| 21 | Grimsby Town | 42 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 39 | 59 | −20 | 44 |
| 22 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 42 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 37 | 54 | −17 | 39 |
Leeds United 1986-87 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division Two | 23 Aug 1986 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 25 Aug 1986 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 30 Aug 1986 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | L | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 02 Sep 1986 | Barnsley v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 06 Sep 1986 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 13 Sep 1986 | Leeds United v Reading | W | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 20 Sep 1986 | Bradford City v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Cup | 23 Sep 1986 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 27 Sep 1986 | Leeds United v Hull City | W | 3-0 |
| Full Members Cup | 01 Oct 1986 | Leeds United v Bradford City | L | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 04 Oct 1986 | Plymouth Argyle v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 08 Oct 1986 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | L | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 11 Oct 1986 | Leeds United v Crystal Palace | W | 3-0 |
| League Division Two | 18 Oct 1986 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | W | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 25 Oct 1986 | Grimsby Town v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 01 Nov 1986 | Leeds United v Shrewsbury Town | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 08 Nov 1986 | Millwall v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 15 Nov 1986 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | L | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 21 Nov 1986 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 29 Nov 1986 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 06 Dec 1986 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| League Division Two | 13 Dec 1986 | Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion | W | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 21 Dec 1986 | Stoke City v Leeds United | L | 7-2 |
| League Division Two | 26 Dec 1986 | Leeds United v Sunderland | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 27 Dec 1986 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 01 Jan 1987 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 03 Jan 1987 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 11 Jan 1987 | Telford United v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 24 Jan 1987 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | D | 0-0 |
| FA Cup | 03 Feb 1987 | Swindon Town v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 07 Feb 1987 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 14 Feb 1987 | Leeds United v Barnsley | D | 2-2 |
| FA Cup | 21 Feb 1987 | Leeds United v Queens Park Rangers | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 28 Feb 1987 | Leeds United v Bradford City | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 07 Mar 1987 | Leeds United v Grimsby Town | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 10 Mar 1987 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 14 Mar 1987 | Wigan Athletic v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 21 Mar 1987 | Crystal Palace v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 28 Mar 1987 | Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle | W | 4-0 |
| League Division Two | 04 Apr 1987 | Leeds United v Millwall | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 08 Apr 1987 | Hull City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| FA Cup | 12 Apr 1987 | Coventry City v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 14 Apr 1987 | Shrewsbury Town v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 18 Apr 1987 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | W | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 20 Apr 1987 | Sunderland v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 22 Apr 1987 | Reading v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 25 Apr 1987 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | W | 4-0 |
| League Division Two | 02 May 1987 | Derby County v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 04 May 1987 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 09 May 1987 | Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One and Two Play-Offs | 14 May 1987 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One and Two Play-Offs | 17 May 1987 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division One and Two Play-Offs | 23 May 1987 | Charlton Athletic v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division One and Two Play-Offs | 25 May 1987 | Leeds United v Charlton Athletic | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One and Two Play-Offs | 29 May 1987 | Charlton Athletic v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
