The Barren Years 1981-1990
During a six-year spell as Leeds Coach, Syd Hynes won a major trophy every season and his success' would be a hard act to follow and his departure in 1981 signalled an unstable period. Robin Dewhurst, Maurice Bamford, Malcolm Clift, Peter Fox, Bamford again, Malcolm Reilly and David Ward all trying - and failing - to satisfy the hunger for success.
During this period Leeds only managed to win two trophies, the John Player Trophy in 1983 and the Yorkshire Cup in 1988. The club never gave up and they continued to invest in the best players hoping that something would click and Leeds would rule the game once more.
Players included Lee Crooks and Garry Schofield from Hull, both were proven internationals and cost Leeds world record transfer fees.
Overseas players were still influential in Leeds' make-up. Staggeringly, during the 1984-85 season, Leeds had nine imported players on their books but still finished the season empty-handed. The 1980s must be seen as one of the most barren and frustrating periods in the club's history.
Under the leadership of another former Headingley legend, David Ward, Leeds approached the 1990s in optimistic mood, hoping to rekindle the golden years, but unfortunately this wasn't to be.
They came close to winning the championship in 1989-90 when they finished second to the most successful Rugby League side in the modern era . . . Wigan.
