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Silver decided to look to the first division for Bremner's successor. Howard Wilkinson, then
at Sheffield Wednesday, was persuaded to drop a division to manage Leeds.
When he arrived Wilkinson removed all the old Revie team pictures from Elland Road. A new era had dawned. Wilkinson did not start any fires in his first season, finishing
10th but he made signings. Chris Fairclough, Carl Shutt and Gordon Strachan. Strachan proving to be a
major bargain
at £300,000.
Wilkinson buffered his team further signing the likes of hardman Vinnie Jones, Lee Chapman and Mel Sterland
and the fans now knew he meant business. Leeds were promoted as champions in 1989-90.
Back up and more additions with Gary Mcallister and Lukic back, as
Leeds finished up in fourth. More invaluable purchases were made for the following season Tony Dorigo, Rod Wallace
and David Wetherall helped Leeds to the championship in only Wilkinson's third full season. The next season surprisingly
found Leeds fighting for survival, finishing 17th. The following two seasons, Wilko pulled things round
finishing 5th in both terms. A final followed in 1995-96 but Leeds slipped to 13th in the league.
Caspian the new owners of Leeds, called time on Wilko in 1996-97 after just 5 games, a 4-0 defeat
at the hands of the arch rivals from over the border, proved too much for them and the fans.
Wilko had saved Leeds United, but now the magic had run out.
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