Tributes have been paid to Leslie Silver OBE the former Director and Chairman of Leeds United who passed away on Monday aged 89. Silver, who was Chairman between 1983-1996 arguably presided over our most glorious modern-day moments as well as some of our darkest days.

London-born Mr Silver, who served the RAF as a fighter-pilot with distinction as well as forming the Johnstones Paint's empire assumed the role as Chairman in 1983 when our club was a hooligan-blighted embarrassment destined for Division Three. Having made difficult and unpopular decisions to part-company with the Revie old-guard ala Eddie Gray and Billy Bremner, Mr Silver could rightfully be called a visionary as in October 1988 he thrust the club in a new direction by appointing Howard Wilkinson and within four-years was rewarded with the Second and First Division titles as well as the Charity Shield to boot.

Captain of those successful sides' Gordon Strachan revealed that he celebrated our 1992 title win in the company of Mr Silver with a cup of tea!

Nevertheless Mr Silver took some flak, for example the sale of David Batty to Blackburn Rovers in October 1993 put him firmly in the firing line particularly after a bond scheme to fund the building of the East Stand effectively left the club overdrawn and at mercy to the bank.

However Mr Silver also foresaw the days of the paternalist Chairmen digging deep were also numbered and the days of PLC board ownership and investment crept into the English game. He was party in the controversial decision to sell the club to the Caspian Group (who latterly became Leeds Sporting, a decision which ended up in the high court following objection by a third shareholder Peter Gilman). Once the sale was ratified, Mr Silver stepped away from the modern day madness of Leeds United. I did regularly spot him leaving the East Stand on matchdays as recently as this season and he pursued interests outside of football such as becoming Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University.

RIP MOT Leslie Silver, sleep peacefully in
Don Revies arms...

Photo: Action Images via Reuters