Howard Wilkinson took charge of Leeds United for the first time on this day in 1988, but an indifferent Elland Road crowd met his inaugural victory.
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once wrote that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and, for now legendary Leeds boss Howard Wilkinson, that first step was taken in a League Cup tie against Peterborough in 1988.
Wilkinson would eventually lead Leeds to a First Division title in 1992, but there was a malaise at Elland Road when he made the leap of faith to join from Yorkshire rivals, Sheffield Wednesday.
Leeds fans had made their presence felt after a managerless side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Watford, with protests taking place in the car park after the game.
Although a crowd of less than 9,000 watched Wilkinson’s first game, according to journalist Jon Howe, those who were there saw the birth of a new era of success at Leeds.
Leeds United beat Peterborough in Howard Wilkinson’s first game
Leeds came into the second leg of their Rumbelows Cup tie against Peterborough with a slender 2-1 lead, as Wilkinson looked to win over a sceptical home crowd.
Thankfully for the new Leeds boss, his side achieved a routine 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Bobby Davidson, Vince Hilaire and fan favourite John Sheridan.
However, according to a match report from the Huddersfield Daily Examiner at the time, future England international David Batty was the star of the show, as the template for Wilkinson’s future success began to emerge in his first game.
The report states: “The manager must have been impressed with the enthusiasm and maturity of young midfielder David Batty, who played a large part in two of the goals and was involved in everything his side did.”
Batty would go on to become a crucial part of Leeds’ title-winning midfield, alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and Gary Speed, as Wilkinson got his first glimpse of his potential in his first game.
Howard Wilkinson’s record at Leeds United
The League Cup win over Peterborough was the first of a long period in charge for Wilkinson, which would eventually see him become the second-longest-serving Leeds manager by games managed, according to LUFCData.
During his time at the club, Wilkinson oversaw the longest unbeaten run at home since the Revie era and led Leeds to the First and Second Division titles, as well as an ill-fated League Cup final appearance in 1996.
Howard Wilkinson as Leeds manager:
- Played: 419
- Won: 179
- Drawn: 117
- Lost: 116
- Win%: 43.4%
Wilkinson managed Leeds for 419 games in total, winning 179 and drawing 117, with an overall win percentage of 43.4%.
Only the legendary Don Revie has more wins as Leeds manager, with 395, and the club’s second-ever manager, Dick Ray, sits third on the list with 143.
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