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.

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

7. Leeds United's 1987/88 season

John Stiles celebrates scoring against Shrewsbury Town at Elland Road in November 1987. The Whites won 2-1.

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8. Leeds United's 1987/88 season

Bobby Davison leaps to head home Leeds United's third goal against Huddersfield Town at Elland Road in December 1987.

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9. Leeds United's 1987/88 season

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Stephen Pears thwarts an air-bourne raid from Bobby Davison during the clash at Elland Road in December 1987. Davison was on the scoresheet that day as the Whites won 2-0.

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10. Leeds United 1987/88 season

A defiant demonstration from Peter Swan after scoring for Leeds United at Boothferry Park in January 1988. His goal was not enough as the Whites lost 3-1.