Leeds United’s 1986-87 season under the management of legendary player Billy Bremner was a remarkable campaign. The team finished in a commendable fourth place in Division Two, igniting hopes for a promotion push in the following season. Fans were optimistic that the momentum would carry into the 1987-88 season, but the year would prove to be a challenging one.
Preseason Expectations
After a solid finish the previous year, expectations were high for Leeds United heading into the 1987-88 season. The squad aimed to build on their achievements and secure a place in Division One. Supporters looked forward to seeing their team challenge for promotion and return to the top tier of English football.
A Disappointing League Campaign
Despite the optimism, the season did not unfold as anticipated. Leeds United finished in seventh place in Division Two, falling short of their goal to qualify for Division One. With a total of 61 goals scored and 51 conceded, the team displayed moments of attacking flair but struggled with consistency in defense. The inability to capitalize on key matches ultimately cost them a promotion spot.
Key Transfers and Impact
One of the significant events of the season was the departure of striker Ian Baird. Leeds United sold Baird to Portsmouth for £285,000. Unfortunately, his time at Portsmouth was brief, lasting only seven months before Leeds re-signed him for £120,000. This transfer saga highlighted the club’s ongoing search for stability and success in the forward line.
Top Scorer: John Sheridan
Amidst the challenges, John Sheridan emerged as the team’s top scorer, netting 14 goals throughout the season. His contributions were vital in keeping Leeds competitive in the league, showcasing his talent and determination. Sheridan’s performances earned him recognition and endeared him to the fans, providing a silver lining in an otherwise tumultuous season.
Continued Search for Solutions
As the season progressed, Leeds United’s management remained committed to finding solutions to their struggles. They continued to explore player acquisitions and tactical adjustments to strengthen the squad and reignite their promotion aspirations. The ambition to return to Division One remained a driving force within the club.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The 1987-88 season for Leeds United was a mixed bag of hope, disappointment, and determination. Despite finishing seventh in Division Two and missing out on promotion, the club’s spirit remained unbroken. With a talented squad and passionate fanbase, Leeds United looked forward to the following season, aiming to turn their fortunes around and secure a place in Division One. The lessons learned during this challenging year would serve as a foundation for future success.
Second Division 1987-88 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millwall | 44 | 25 | 7 | 12 | 72 | 52 | +20 | 82 |
| 2 | Aston Villa | 44 | 22 | 12 | 10 | 68 | 41 | +27 | 78 |
| 3 | Middlesbrough | 44 | 22 | 12 | 10 | 63 | 36 | +27 | 78 |
| 4 | Bradford City | 44 | 22 | 11 | 11 | 74 | 54 | +20 | 77 |
| 5 | Blackburn Rovers | 44 | 21 | 14 | 9 | 68 | 52 | +16 | 77 |
| 6 | Crystal Palace | 44 | 22 | 9 | 13 | 86 | 59 | +27 | 75 |
| 7 | Leeds United | 44 | 19 | 12 | 13 | 61 | 51 | +10 | 69 |
| 8 | Ipswich Town | 44 | 19 | 9 | 16 | 61 | 52 | +9 | 66 |
| 9 | Manchester City | 44 | 19 | 8 | 17 | 80 | 60 | +20 | 65 |
| 10 | Oldham Athletic | 44 | 18 | 11 | 15 | 72 | 64 | +8 | 65 |
| 11 | Stoke City | 44 | 17 | 11 | 16 | 50 | 57 | −7 | 62 |
| 12 | Swindon Town | 44 | 16 | 11 | 17 | 73 | 60 | +13 | 59 |
| 13 | Leicester City | 44 | 16 | 11 | 17 | 62 | 61 | +1 | 59 |
| 14 | Barnsley | 44 | 15 | 12 | 17 | 61 | 62 | −1 | 57 |
| 15 | Hull City | 44 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 54 | 60 | −6 | 57 |
| 16 | Plymouth Argyle | 44 | 16 | 8 | 20 | 65 | 67 | −2 | 56 |
| 17 | AFC Bournemouth | 44 | 13 | 10 | 21 | 56 | 68 | −12 | 49 |
| 18 | Shrewsbury Town | 44 | 11 | 16 | 17 | 42 | 54 | −12 | 49 |
| 19 | Birmingham City | 44 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 41 | 66 | −25 | 48 |
| 20 | West Bromwich Albion | 44 | 12 | 11 | 21 | 50 | 69 | −19 | 47 |
| 21 | Sheffield United | 44 | 13 | 7 | 24 | 45 | 74 | −29 | 46 |
| 22 | Reading | 44 | 10 | 12 | 22 | 44 | 70 | −26 | 42 |
| 23 | Huddersfield Town | 44 | 6 | 10 | 28 | 41 | 100 | −59 | 28 |
Leeds United 1987-88 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division Two | 16 Aug 1987 | Barnsley v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 19 Aug 1987 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 22 Aug 1987 | Leeds United v Reading | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 29 Aug 1987 | Bradford City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 31 Aug 1987 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 05 Sep 1987 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 12 Sep 1987 | Leeds United v Hull City | L | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 15 Sep 1987 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 19 Sep 1987 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Cup | 23 Sep 1987 | Leeds United v York City | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 26 Sep 1987 | Leeds United v Manchester City | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 30 Sep 1987 | Leeds United v Stoke City | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 03 Oct 1987 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 06 Oct 1987 | York City v Leeds United | W | 0-4 |
| League Division Two | 10 Oct 1987 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | L | 1-3 |
| League Division Two | 17 Oct 1987 | Plymouth Argyle v Leeds United | L | 6-3 |
| League Division Two | 20 Oct 1987 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 24 Oct 1987 | Leeds United v AFC Bournemouth | W | 3-2 |
| League Cup | 28 Oct 1987 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | D | 2-2 |
| League Cup | 04 Nov 1987 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | L | 4-2 |
| League Division Two | 07 Nov 1987 | Leeds United v Shrewsbury Town | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 14 Nov 1987 | Millwall v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 21 Nov 1987 | Leeds United v Swindon Town | W | 4-2 |
| Simod Cup | 25 Nov 1987 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | W | 3-0 |
| League Division Two | 28 Nov 1987 | Crystal Palace v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| League Division Two | 05 Dec 1987 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | W | 4-1 |
| Simod Cup | 08 Dec 1987 | Millwall v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 12 Dec 1987 | Reading v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 19 Dec 1987 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | W | 3-0 |
| League Division Two | 26 Dec 1987 | Manchester City v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 28 Dec 1987 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 01 Jan 1988 | Leeds United v Bradford City | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 03 Jan 1988 | Hull City v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| FA Cup | 09 Jan 1988 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | L | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 16 Jan 1988 | Leeds United v Barnsley | L | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 30 Jan 1988 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | W | 1-4 |
| League Division Two | 06 Feb 1988 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 13 Feb 1988 | Leicester City v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 23 Feb 1988 | Stoke City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 27 Feb 1988 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | D | 2-2 |
| League Division Two | 05 Mar 1988 | Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 12 Mar 1988 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 19 Mar 1988 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | W | 5-0 |
| League Division Two | 26 Mar 1988 | AFC Bournemouth v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 02 Apr 1988 | Shrewsbury Town v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 06 Apr 1988 | Leeds United v Millwall | L | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 23 Apr 1988 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 30 Apr 1988 | Swindon Town v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 02 May 1988 | Leeds United v Crystal Palace | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 06 May 1988 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
