Leeds greats share imaginary ball, £2.2m quip and snorkel tale at Wilkinson tribute | OneFootball

Leeds United icons packed the Hisense Lounge at Elland Road to honour Howard Wilkinson, swapping tales from the title-winning era and pushing the WILKO92 statue fund forward.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Tony Dorigo opened with the now infamous imaginary ball passing drill, before expressing deep gratitude to the manager. Noel Whelan joked about cleaning the gaffer’s car, Simon Grayson thanked him for releasing him, and there was laughter at Imre Varadi arriving in jeans.

John McClelland reflected on mutual stubbornness and said trust took two years. Jon Newsome recalled being courted with his father present at the Hilton, saying Wilkinson simply gave him a chance.

Nigel Martyn was close to Everton until Leeds matched the bid, and his favourite pre-season memory in Germany ended with Wilkinson’s £2.2m barb after a fierce four-yard volley flicked his fingertips onto the bar.

Eddie Gray lauded Wilkinson’s vision for exhilarating young talent, citing Jonathan Woodgate and Harry Kewell, and thanked him for transforming the club. Wilkinson, joined by captain Gordon Strachan, offered his own thanks to supporters, the board and his players.

Strachan recalled a 7am doorstep send-off from Alex Ferguson, then said Wilkinson gave a drifting group purpose and that camaraderie meant more than money. He later told of snorkelling in Thailand and surfacing to a Leeds salute rather than a shark.

As title-winning moments rolled on screen, Strachan praised Mick Hennigan and admitted luck played its part. WILKO92’s Dave Tomlinson said the occasion brought the campaign closer to a permanent tribute, with legends and fans sharing stories under one roof.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk