The ex-Aston Villa manager takes over as chair of the LMA, succeeding the renowned Leeds United figure.

Howard Wilkinson, former manager of Leeds United for eight years, will retire from his position as chairman of the League Managers’ Association (LMA) at the end of the season. He will be succeeded by Martin O’Neill, who has had a successful career as a player and manager. Wilkinson, known for leading Leeds United to the first division title in 1992, has been in the role for nearly 33 years. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the expansion and modernization of the LMA, implementing initiatives such as regular health check-ups and support services for managers and coaches. O’Neill, who has won the European Cup twice as a player and has managed various clubs including Leicester City, Celtic, and Aston Villa, expressed pride in being chosen as the new LMA Chair and acknowledged Wilkinson’s contributions over the past three decades.