The National Football Museum is proud to announce that legendary manager Howard Wilkinson OBE will be inducted into its prestigious Hall of Fame in early December 2025.
The induction will take place pitch side at Elland Road, where National Football Museum Chair Prof. John Brewer and CEO Tim Desmond will present the award, recognising his remarkable contribution to English football both on and off the pitch.
The Wilko92 Campaign will also be holding a ‘tribute lunch’ for Howard on Friday 5 December at the Hisense Leeds Lounge at Elland Road, with all profits donated towards 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 and his name is regularly echoed around Elland Road by the Leeds faithful.
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.”