LUFC: Images of 1991/92

Back after a break in the best possible style, with pictorial highlights taken from season that Leeds became the final champions of England before Sky TV and the Premier League came along…

The pre-season campaign started with a trip to Ireland…

The team lines up ahead of a game against Shelbourne.

New season, new recruits (L to R): Ray Wallace, Jon Newsome, David Wetherall, Tonry Dorigo, Rod Wallace and Steve Hodge

Bill Fortherby, never a man to sidestep hyperbole offers some uncharacteristically prophetic words…

The club’s new shirt sponsor for the season were similarly bullish about our prospects (note the headlines).

Chris Whyte in early season action against Sheffield Wednesday.

7th September 1991: after 44 months and 12 days, the unthinkable happens…BATTY SCORES!!

…then salutes the disbelieving Kop.

Two weeks later and a seminal moment as Steve Hodge scores the only goal of the game to defeat Liverpool – United’s first notable scalp.

Another significant game for different reasons followed in October as Gary Kelly makes his debut against Scunthorpe…as a striker.

Batty and Speed: Inseperable on the pitch…

…and in the merchandise catalogue.

Tony Dorigo facing a soon to be familar foe in the pre-Xmas clash at the City Ground.

A triple header of games against Manchester United followed; a 1-1 draw in the Elland Road league clash was followed by reversals in both cup competitions.

In a strange break from the domestic programme, a bridge building friendly vs Bayern Munich took place at the end of January.

With the deflating cup exits still fresh in the mind, this man must’ve fancied the chances of his Notts County side leaving with a result…

…as it was, he left with a 3-0 thumping and the indignity of being on the end of another David Batty goal!

The following week, Sgt. Wilko famously plumped to gamble on ‘Le Enfant Terrible’…

Gamble or not, Eric’s substitute appearance did nothing to address Leeds’ infamously awful record at Boundary Park…Oldham 2 Leeds United.

Another face to look out for…

April – crunch time arrives. Leeds are crushed 4-0 at Maine Road.

Happier faces at the next game as Vinnie returns to Elland Road and Chelsea are beaten 3-0.

With Leeds flying and an East Stand to build, the club launch the ‘Leeds United Bond Scheme’ – £500 bought a certificate and £100 off your season ticket price for the next 7 years.

26th April 1992: Leeds travel to Bramall Lane knowing that victory would leave us on the cusp of the title…

After Alan Cork’s opener, Rod Wallace’s deflected finish levels matters just before the break…

With Blades keeper, Mel Rees, partially immobilised by a leg injury, Jon Newsome takes full advantage to nod United ahead…

…and is understandably mobbed. But the celebrations didn’t last as Lee Chapman turned into his own goal from a corner…

…but anything Chappy could do, Brian Gayle could do better! Cantona and Wallace turn away to celebrate the winning goal.

Celebrations as Leeds move to within a victory of becoming champions.

As it was, a victory wasn’t needed. Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat of Manchester United later in the afternoon handed the title to Leeds. The Kop turned up for the Norwich game, ready to celebrate.