Leeds United are thrilled to hear legendary manager Howard Wilkinson OBE will be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.
The induction will take place at half-time during the club’s Premier League fixture with Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday 3rd December 2025, where Museum CEO Tim Desmond will present the award, recognising Howard’s remarkable contribution to English football both on and off the pitch.
Leeds United are also delighted to announce support for the The Wilko92 Campaign to permanently honour Howard Wilkinson with a statue at Elland Road.
Launched earlier this year and having already made a fantastic start to fundraising efforts, the club will now actively work with The Wiko92 Campaign to ensure Howard’s legacy is truly remembered.
This begins with a tribute lunch for Howard on Friday 5th December at the Hisense Leeds Lounge at Elland Road, featuring a meet and greet with over 20 Leeds United Legends, the First Division Championship Trophy, a three course lunch and auction, with all proceeds donated to the Howard Wilkinson statue.
A respected figure in the game, Wilkinson famously guided Leeds United to the First Division title in 1991/92, the club’s first league championship in 18 years and the final title before the advent of the Premier League. He remains the last English manager to win the top-flight title.
During his time at Elland Road, Wilkinson also secured promotion from the Second Division in 1990 and laid the foundations for the club’s success in the early 1990s. His managerial career also included spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County and the England national team, where he twice served as caretaker manager.
Beyond the dugout, Wilkinson’s influence on the wider game has been profound. As the Football Association’s Technical Director, he was instrumental in shaping the development of coaching in England, including the creation of the National Football Centre at St. George’s Park. Later, as Chairman of the League Managers Association (LMA), he became a leading advocate for coaches and managers across the professional game.
Tim Desmond, Chief Executive of the National Football Museum, said: “Howard Wilkinson’s impact on English football extends far beyond his historic title win with Leeds United. He has been instrumental in raising standards in coaching, education and leadership across the game. His work has shaped the modern football landscape, and we are delighted to honour him with a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame.”
The National Football Museum Hall of Fame celebrates those who have made an outstanding contribution to football in England. Wilkinson will join a long list of fellow managers, Emma Hayes, Arsene Wenger, Bob Paisley and Brian Clough to name a few.
For more information about the National Football Museum and their upcoming exhibitions and activities, you can visit their website here: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com.
