Former Leeds United Chairman Bill Fotherby passes away

Bill Fotherby has passed away aged 88. Credit: Editorial

Former Leeds United Chairman and Managing Director Bill Fotherby passes away aged 88.

Fotherby passed away suddenly after suffering from a short illness on Tuesday night while on holiday with his family in Tenerife.

He joined United’s board in 1978 when Leeds were struggling financially and will be most famously known for bringing manager Howard Wilkinson to the club.

Fotherby managed to persuade Wilkinson to leave Sheffield Wednesday for Elland Road in 1988.

Wilkinson's addition brought success back to the West Yorkshire club as he won the second division title in 1990.

Wilkinson then went on to win the club’s third Division One title in 1992 winning the league for the first time in almost 20 years.

Fotherby then took the role of club chairman briefly in 1996 before leaving the club.

Fortherby was famously known for bringing Howard Wilkinson to Elland Road Credit: Editorial

After leaving Leeds, Fotherby went on to run non league side Harrogate Town.