The 1989-90 season marked a turning point for Leeds United, as the club, under the astute management of Howard Wilkinson, achieved remarkable success. This season is often remembered as one of the best in years for the club.
Unstoppable Force in the Second Division
Under the guidance of Howard Wilkinson, Leeds United demonstrated an unstoppable form in the Second Division. Their dominance on the pitch led them to secure the First Division title, ensuring their return to the top flight of English football. This victory was a testament to the hard work and determination of the players and management alike.
Goal-Scoring Prowess
Throughout the 1989-90 season, Leeds United showcased an impressive attacking style, scoring a total of 79 goals. This remarkable tally was fueled by the club’s top scorer, Gordon Strachan, who netted 18 goals. Strachan’s contributions were pivotal in leading the team to victory, earning him recognition as one of the standout players of the season.
Domestic Cup Competitions
While the league campaign was a resounding success, Leeds United also participated in several domestic cup competitions. Their journey in these tournaments included:
- FA Cup: Third Round
- League Cup: Second Round
- Full Members’ Cup: Reached the Fourth Round
Despite not making deep runs in these competitions, the focus remained firmly on the league, where the team’s performance shone brightly.
Legacy of the 1989-90 Season
The 1989-90 season remains a defining chapter in the history of Leeds United. The combination of a strategic manager like Howard Wilkinson and a talented squad laid the groundwork for future successes. The return to the First Division was not just a triumph but a symbol of resilience and ambition for the club and its loyal supporters.
In conclusion, the 1989-90 season will always be cherished by Leeds United fans, representing a season of triumph, excitement, and a pathway to renewed glory in English football.
Second Division 1989-90 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leeds United (C, P) | 46 | 24 | 13 | 9 | 79 | 52 | +27 | 85 |
| 2 | Sheffield United (P) | 46 | 24 | 13 | 9 | 78 | 58 | +20 | 85 |
| 3 | Newcastle United | 46 | 22 | 14 | 10 | 80 | 55 | +25 | 80 |
| 4 | Swindon Town (O) | 46 | 20 | 14 | 12 | 79 | 59 | +20 | 74 |
| 5 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | 19 | 17 | 10 | 74 | 59 | +15 | 74 |
| 6 | Sunderland (P) | 46 | 20 | 14 | 12 | 70 | 64 | +6 | 74 |
| 7 | West Ham United | 46 | 20 | 12 | 14 | 80 | 57 | +23 | 72 |
| 8 | Oldham Athletic | 46 | 19 | 14 | 13 | 70 | 57 | +13 | 71 |
| 9 | Ipswich Town | 46 | 19 | 12 | 15 | 67 | 66 | +1 | 69 |
| 10 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 46 | 18 | 13 | 15 | 67 | 60 | +7 | 67 |
| 11 | Port Vale | 46 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 62 | 57 | +5 | 61 |
| 12 | Portsmouth | 46 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 62 | 65 | −3 | 61 |
| 13 | Leicester City | 46 | 15 | 14 | 17 | 67 | 79 | −12 | 59 |
| 14 | Hull City | 46 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 58 | 65 | −7 | 58 |
| 15 | Watford | 46 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 58 | 60 | −2 | 57 |
| 16 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | 14 | 13 | 19 | 58 | 63 | −5 | 55 |
| 17 | Oxford United | 46 | 15 | 9 | 22 | 57 | 66 | −9 | 54 |
| 18 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 46 | 15 | 9 | 22 | 56 | 72 | −16 | 54 |
| 19 | Barnsley | 46 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 49 | 71 | −22 | 54 |
| 20 | West Bromwich Albion | 46 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 67 | 71 | −4 | 51 |
| 21 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 13 | 11 | 22 | 52 | 63 | −11 | 50 |
| 22 | Bournemouth (R) | 46 | 12 | 12 | 22 | 57 | 76 | −19 | 48 |
| 23 | Bradford City (R) | 46 | 9 | 14 | 23 | 44 | 68 | −24 | 41 |
| 24 | Stoke City (R) | 46 | 6 | 19 | 21 | 35 | 63 | −28 | 37 |
Leeds United 1989-90 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division Two | 19 Aug 1989 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | L | 5-2 |
| League Division Two | 23 Aug 1989 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 26 Aug 1989 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 02 Sep 1989 | Stoke City v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 09 Sep 1989 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 16 Sep 1989 | Hull City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Cup | 19 Sep 1989 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 23 Sep 1989 | Leeds United v Swindon Town | W | 4-0 |
| League Division Two | 27 Sep 1989 | Leeds United v Oxford United | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 30 Sep 1989 | Port Vale v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Cup | 03 Oct 1989 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | L | 1-2 (Agg: 2-4) |
| League Division Two | 07 Oct 1989 | West Ham United v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 14 Oct 1989 | Leeds United v Sunderland | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 17 Oct 1989 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | D | 3-3 |
| League Division Two | 21 Oct 1989 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 28 Oct 1989 | Bradford City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 01 Nov 1989 | Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 04 Nov 1989 | Leeds United v AFC Bournemouth | W | 3-0 |
| Zenith Data Systems Cup | 07 Nov 1989 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 11 Nov 1989 | Leicester City v Leeds United | L | 4-3 |
| League Division Two | 18 Nov 1989 | Leeds United v Watford | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 25 Nov 1989 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| Zenith Data Systems Cup | 28 Nov 1989 | Barnsley v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 02 Dec 1989 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 09 Dec 1989 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 16 Dec 1989 | Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion | W | 3-0 |
| Zenith Data Systems Cup | 19 Dec 1989 | Stoke City v Leeds United | W | 2-2 (4-5) |
| League Division Two | 26 Dec 1989 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division Two | 30 Dec 1989 | Barnsley v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 01 Jan 1990 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 06 Jan 1990 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | L | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 13 Jan 1990 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| Zenith Data Systems Cup | 17 Jan 1990 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 20 Jan 1990 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 04 Feb 1990 | Swindon Town v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 10 Feb 1990 | Leeds United v Hull City | W | 4-3 |
| League Division Two | 17 Feb 1990 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division Two | 24 Feb 1990 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | D | 2-2 |
| League Division Two | 03 Mar 1990 | Watford v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 07 Mar 1990 | Oxford United v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 10 Mar 1990 | Leeds United v Oxford United | W | 2-4 |
| League Division Two | 17 Mar 1990 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 20 Mar 1990 | Sunderland v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 24 Mar 1990 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 31 Mar 1990 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 07 Apr 1990 | Leeds United v Bradford City | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 10 Apr 1990 | Plymouth Argyle v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 13 Apr 1990 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 16 Apr 1990 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | W | 4-0 |
| League Division Two | 21 Apr 1990 | Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division Two | 25 Apr 1990 | Leeds United v Barnsley | L | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 28 Apr 1990 | Leicester City v Leeds United | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 05 May 1990 | AFC Bournemouth v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
