Daniel Farke’s resilient Leeds United team achieved a remarkable feat on Friday night by securing their ninth consecutive League victory against league leaders Leicester City, thereby equalling a club record set during the 1931-1932 season. This historic achievement brings back memories of an era when Leeds, then under Dick Ray's guidance, finished second in Division Two, earning promotion to the top-flight of English football.
In echoes of this season, the 1931-1932 season marked a significant period in Leeds United's history, characterized by resilience and determination. The team had experienced relegation but showed their mettle by bouncing back to the First Division at the first opportunity. During this time, Leeds underwent a transition, with some of the old guard making way for emerging talents. The backbone of the team lay in the brilliant half-back line of Edwards, Hart, and Copping. Just like that season, a strong defence has been key to our recent run with Rodon and Ampadu resolute at the back.
As with this summer, when FFP and contractual issues constrained the clubs rebuilding plans, finances limited the club's ability to strengthen the squad back then, leading them to rely on the tried and tested stalwarts and a few emerging youngsters. Jimmy Potts still excelled in goal, while the ever-present Jack Milburn was partnered by the trusty Bill Menzies or his younger brother George. The Edwards-Hart-Copping combination was a class above any other half-back line in the Division.
Leeds United 1931-32 - Back Row: Alex Stacey, Arthur Campey (Trainer), George Milburn, Stan Moore, Jack Milburn,Wilf Copping. Front Row: Harry Duggan, Cyril Hornby, Charlie Keetley, Willie Bennett, Tom Cochrane, Ernie Hart.
Harry Duggan had finally replaced Bobby Turnbull on the right-wing, with young Joe Firth at inside-right, Charlie Keetley at centre-forward, Billy Furness at inside-left and Tom Cochrane missing only one game on the left-wing. Charlie Keetley was the leading goal-scorer with an impressive tally of 23 goals, supported by Joe Firth with 14 and Billy Furness with 12. A potent attack has also been key this season with Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Dan James and Willy Gnonto menacing Championship defences.
The season was started with two away wins, but that was soon negated by two consecutive home defeats. This was followed by the remarkable nine straight wins, including the 5-2 thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford, as Leeds took the Division by storm. This dominant phase propelled Leeds to the top of the Division. Just like this season, when Leeds looked to be slipping away from the title contenders, they have reeled in Leicester and overtaken both Southampton and Ipswich.
Unfortunately a poor run-in with only two wins in their last 10 games saw United finish second with 54 points, just two points behind the champions, Wolves. The final game at home to Port Vale, who needed a win to avoid relegation, ended in a disappointing loss and denied United the opportunity to share the top spot with Wolves. Lets hope this season, we can keep that run going and overturn Leicester’s lead at the top of the table.
As Daniel Farke's Leeds United replicates this historic nine-match winning streak, fans can't help but draw parallels with the resilience and determination of the 1931-1932 team. The record equalling achievement serves as a testament to the club's rich history and its ability to overcome challenges across different eras.