Enjoy these memories from Leeds United's 1987/88 season.Enjoy these memories from Leeds United's 1987/88 season.
Enjoy these memories from Leeds United's 1987/88 season.

Leeds United's 1987/88 season: How a sleeping giant failed to awaken

It was the season which Leeds United failed to deliver despite being installed as favourites for promotion by the bookies.
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 17th Oct 2020, 06:00 GMT

Optimism was high when Leeds United kicked off the 1987/88 season having narrowly missed out on promotion the previous campaign when they suffered play off final replay heartache against Charlton Athletic at St Andrew's. But the Whites got off to a dismal start with only single John Sheridan-scored goal victories against Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion in their first nine games, in which only three goals were scored. Manager Billy Bremner tried to solve the lack of firepower by switching defender Peter Swan to a striking role, which worked temporarily. But it wasn't until Bobby Davison was bought from Derby County for £350,000 that the problem was solved. Results improved - notably a memorable New Year's Day win against Bradford City - but the season fizzled to a disappointing end with the Whites finishing seventh. Enjoy these rarely-seen photos, plucked from the YEP archive of season in which a sleeping giant failed to awaken despite a young gun named David Batty starting to blossom. READ MORE: The ups and downs of Leeds United's 1984/85 season

John Pearson wins an aerial duel in the goalless draw against Huddersfield Town at Leeds Road in September 1987.

1. Leeds United 1987/88 season

John Pearson wins an aerial duel in the goalless draw against Huddersfield Town at Leeds Road in September 1987.

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Manchester City's Imre Varadi gets in his shot despite appearing to crack Jack Ashurst on the head during the clash at Elland Road in September 1987. The Whites won the game 2-0

2. Leeds United's 1987/88 season

Manchester City's Imre Varadi gets in his shot despite appearing to crack Jack Ashurst on the head during the clash at Elland Road in September 1987. The Whites won the game 2-0

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Peter Swan gasps in disbelief as his shot goes wide of the Oldham Athletic goal during the third round League Cup tie at Elland Road in October 1987. The game finished 2-2 with Swan scoring both goals for the Whites.

3. Leeds United's 1987/88 season

Peter Swan gasps in disbelief as his shot goes wide of the Oldham Athletic goal during the third round League Cup tie at Elland Road in October 1987. The game finished 2-2 with Swan scoring both goals for the Whites. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

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David Rennie causes confusion in the Swindon Town defence at Elland Road in November 1987. The defender was on the scoresheet as the Whites won 4-2.

4. Leeds United's 1987/88 season

David Rennie causes confusion in the Swindon Town defence at Elland Road in November 1987. The defender was on the scoresheet as the Whites won 4-2.

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Bobby Davison - on the ground behind Bob Taylor - scored his first goal for Leeds United after shooting through a packed goalmouth for United's second goal in the 4-2 against Swindon Town.

5. Leeds United's 1987/88 season

Bobby Davison - on the ground behind Bob Taylor - scored his first goal for Leeds United after shooting through a packed goalmouth for United's second goal in the 4-2 against Swindon Town.

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John Stiles battles for the ball against Shrewsbury Town at Elland Road in November 1987.

6. Leeds 1987/88 season

John Stiles battles for the ball against Shrewsbury Town at Elland Road in November 1987.

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