1968–69 saw the introduction of Zdzisław Puszkarz, a youngster from the Lechia academy, and who would one day become a club legend. The season didn't go as planned for Lechia, with the team finishing in 5th, seeing rivals Arka top the league and getting promoted at the first time of asking. Lechia's fortunes slowly improved over the following three seasons from 1969 to 1972, with the team finishing 3rd, 2nd, before winning the league and achieving promotion in the 1971–72 season.