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First Division Champions, 1991-92: Leeds United's Last English Champions Before the Premier League
Leeds United won the final Football League First Division title in 1991-92, finishing ahead of Manchester United in the last season before the Premier League began.
The last champions of the old First Division
The 1991-92 season occupies a unique place in Leeds United history. It was the final season of the Football League First Division before the creation of the Premier League. Leeds United, promoted only two years earlier, finished the campaign as champions of England.
A title race with Manchester United
Leeds finished first with 22 wins, 16 draws and just four defeats from 42 league matches. They scored 74 goals, conceded 37 and finished on 82 points, four ahead of Manchester United. Leeds drew 1-1 with Manchester United both home and away, while the two clubs also met in both domestic cups.
The title-winning team
Howard Wilkinson had assembled a powerful, balanced squad. Gordon Strachan provided experience and leadership in midfield, with David Batty and the emerging Gary Speed alongside him. Gary McAllister added creativity, while Tony Dorigo arrived from Chelsea and was later named Leeds' Player of the Year. Lee Chapman scored 16 league goals and 20 in all competitions. Rod Wallace, Chris Fairclough, Chris Whyte, Mel Sterland and goalkeeper John Lukic were also important members of the squad.
The dramatic finish
Leeds clinched the title in the penultimate game of the season. Rod Wallace opened the scoring against Sheffield United, and Leeds eventually won 3-2. Manchester United then lost 2-0 at Liverpool, confirming Leeds as champions. Eric Cantona had joined Leeds in February and scored three goals during the remainder of the campaign.
A title that closed one era and opened another
The 1991-92 championship was Leeds United's third First Division title and their first top-flight title since 1974. It also made Leeds the final champions of the old First Division. The club qualified for the European Cup, while English football entered the Premier League era.