'Restored our pride' - Leeds United fan groups unite to fund permanent Howard Wilkinson tribute as £120k goal set

A Leeds United fan-led campaign to commemorate title-winning manager Howard Wilkinson has been boosted by the backing of three supporter groups.

The WILKO92 campaign aims to raise £120,000 to fund plans for a permanent bronze statue of Wilkinson - who guided Leeds from Second Division mediocrity to the 1991/92 First Division title - in 2028. The Sheffield-born manager spent eight successful years at Elland Road between 1988 and 1996, becoming one of the club’s most influential figures alongside Don Revie.

Organisers have launched the WILKO92 Club which allows individuals or fan groups to make a contribution while receiving commemorative items including a miniature version of the statue and a replica 1991/92 First Division winner’s medal. Leeds United Supporters Club (LUSC) and Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia (LUSCOS) have purchased group memberships while there has also been public endorsement from Leeds United Disabled Organisation (LUDO).

“Howard Wilkinson gave Leeds United supporters something many of us feared we might never see again - a league championship,” WILKO92 organisers Dave Tomlinson and Robert Endeacott said. “But his legacy goes much deeper than one extraordinary season. He rebuilt our club, restored our pride, and helped shape its future. We believe that deserves permanent recognition at Elland Road.

“The commitment from LUSC and LUSCOS, and the enthusiastic backing of LUDO, means a great deal to us. These are organisations that represent Leeds United supporters, and their involvement demonstrates that this ambition is shared far beyond those who first conceived the project. We have set ourselves a challenging fundraising target, but we believe it is achievable. We already have an enthusiastic community of supporters, a programme of activities, and a clear vision of what we want to create.

“This is not simply about putting up a statue. It is about recognising an extraordinary contribution to Leeds United and ensuring that future generations understand what Howard Wilkinson and his Championship-winning team achieved. We hope other supporter organisations, businesses, former players, and individual supporters will now join us in helping to make that vision a reality.”

Individuals can purchase a lifetime WILKO92 Club membership for £275, while group memberships cost £550. Alongside the miniature statue and replica medal, members receive a hardback copy of The Howard Wilkinson Legacy, a copy of The Man with the Plan, a commemorative Hall of Fame print, a collection of Leeds United coasters and a membership card providing a 10% discount on eligible WILKO92 merchandise.

In a statement on their investment, LUSCOS said: “Howard Wilkinson holds a special place in the hearts of Leeds United supporters across Scandinavia. His remarkable achievements in rebuilding the club and leading Leeds to the First Division Championship in 1991/92 are an enduring part of our shared history. We wholeheartedly welcome this supporter-led initiative and its ambition to give Howard Wilkinson the lasting recognition he deserves. Some legacies deserve to be permanent.”

LUSC added: “Leeds United Supporters Club is proud to support WILKO92 and its campaign to secure a permanent tribute to Howard Wilkinson. As a supporter-led initiative, WILKO92 reflects the importance of our club’s history and the people who have helped shape it. LUSC is delighted to become the first Group Member of the WILKO92 Club, demonstrating our commitment to helping preserve and celebrate that legacy.”

For further information, WILKO92 Club membership and campaign merchandise, head to Wilko92.com.