Leeds United History

Leeds United Football Club has a history unlike any other—defined by triumph, turmoil, and the unwavering loyalty of its supporters. From the club’s founding in 1919, through the golden years under Don Revie, to the dramatic European nights of the early 2000s and the recent resurgence under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds has consistently captured the imagination of fans both in Yorkshire and around the world. Every era has brought its own heroes, heartbreaks, and unforgettable moments at Elland Road.

This site offers a season-by-season journey through the history of Leeds United. Visitors can explore our interactive timeline to discover how the club evolved across decades—from its early struggles and legendary championship runs to financial collapse and rebirth. Whether you’re reliving the glory days or learning about the defining matches and managers for the first time, our timeline provides a comprehensive look at what makes Leeds United truly unique.

For further in-depth reading and expert historical research, we recommend visiting these outstanding Leeds United resources: ozwhitelufc.net.au for detailed stats and season summaries, mightyleeds.co.uk for match reports and player stories, lufcdata.com for data-driven insights, and sheridan-dictates.com for excellent tactical and historical commentary.

1900

Football in a Stubborn Yorkshire Rose

Football came late to the city of Leeds, indeed to the county of West Yorkshire as a whole. There was a great deal of suspicion about the round ball game in the industrial city of Leeds, it's inhabitants much preferred the tougher, more skilful code of rugby football. The first game of rugby in Leeds was recorded in 1864 and Leeds had grown to play host to an abundance of rugby football clubs who were members of the Yorkshire Rugby Football Union.

The Leeds City Story

Leeds gained its first ever professional football club when Leeds City were elected to the Football League in May 1905. Leeds City also had a permanent home, Elland Road, thanks to the contributions of Norris Hepworth who was also elected Chairman. Lack of a permanent home had led to the demise of Hunslet FC three years earlier, the same mistake would not be made again. A new grandstand is built on the Elland Road side of the pitch, banked terraces erected surrounding the other sides of the pitch with a capacity of 22,000. The team word the blue and gold, the cities sporting colours, the team become known as the Peacocks due to the proximity of the two pubs, The Old Peacock and the New Peacock Inn.

The Birth of Leeds United

Only hours after the famous Leeds City auction at the Hotel Metropole, more than 1,000 of the clubs shocked supporters turned up at the Salem Hall in Hunslet to try and salvage something from a truly disastrous day. A proposal that a new professional club be formed was unanimously carried and a supporters club formed. It was agreed that a seven-man committee should run the club. Things gained momentum when the new club, called Leeds United, was invited to join the Midland League where they took over the place vacated by Leeds City Reserves. Yorkshire Amateurs, who now occupied Elland Road, graciously offered to make way for the newly-formed United.

Leeds United Roar into the 20s

The club was formed in 1919 following the disbandment of Leeds City FC due to financial irregularities. Initially, Leeds United played in the Midland League before gaining entry to the Football League in 1920. The team achieved promotion to the First Division in 1924 under the management of Arthur Fairclough. They enjoyed a few successful seasons in the top flight, finishing as high as fourth in the 1927/28 season. However, financial difficulties plagued the club during this period, leading to the sale of star player Tom Jennings to Huddersfield Town for a then-record fee of £4,000 in 1926. This financial strain ultimately resulted in Leeds United's relegation to the Second Division in 1927. Despite their relegation, the club continued to compete and eventually secured promotion back to the First Division in the 1929/30 season under the management of Dick Ray.

Leeds United in the 1930s

Leeds United continued to establish themselves as a competitive football club in England. Under the management of Dick Ray, the team successfully returned to the First Division for the 1930/31 season. Leeds managed to maintain their status in the top flight for several seasons, with a notable highlight being their run to the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1936, where they were narrowly defeated by Arsenal. The club faced some financial challenges during this period, and in 1934, they were forced to sell their star player, Eric Stephenson, to Aston Villa for a substantial fee. However, they continued to field competitive teams, with notable players like Willis Edwards and Tom Holley making significant contributions. Despite their on-field success, Leeds United's league performances fluctuated, and they experienced occasional struggles. The outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 would soon disrupt football activities across the country, leading to the suspension of official league competitions and the enlistment of many players into the armed forces.

The Outbreak of War

On 8 September 1939, following the outbreak of war, the Football Association declared that all football was suspended as a ban on the assembly of crowds was imposed and the contracts of all players suspended. Many players were liable for conscription under the National Service Bill which enabled the call up of men between the ages of 18 and 41. The Players Union gave permission for players to participate in games should the FA decide to re-introduce them. Friendlies were played and gradually Regional Leagues were set up.

The Post War Years

From 1945 to 1948, Leeds United experienced significant challenges in both the First Division and Division Two. The club�s relegation in 1947 marked the beginning of a difficult stretch, and although the appointment of Major Frank Buckley brought a sense of hope and innovation, Leeds United�s performances on the pitch remained lackluster. The post-war years would prove to be a period of rebuilding and adjustment for the club.

Charles & Revie

Between 1949 and 1963, Leeds United experienced a period of transformation, marked by the emergence of legendary players and crucial moments that would lay the foundation for future success. Central to this era were the rise of John Charles, one of the greatest players to ever wear the Leeds shirt, and the eventual appointment of Don Revie, who would change the course of the club's history.

Twelve at The Top

Refer to it however you wish 'The Glory Years' or 'The Revie Era' but in the period between 1963 and 1975 Leeds United were one of the best teams in the country. Twelve at the Top by Colin S Jeffrey is the story in words and pictures of Leeds United's greatest years. Originally published as a booklet in 1977 and later at csjtwelveatthetop.co.uk this fantastic site has sadly disappeared from the internet. We re-publish here to preserve this fantastic telling of our clubs glory years and to bring the story to a new audience.

The Wilderness Years

After Don Revie�s departure in 1974, following his successful tenure that included winning the First Division title in 1974, Leeds United faced a significant transition. Revie�s successor, Brian Clough, was appointed but had a short and troubled stint. Clough�s tenure was marked by discord and poor results, leading to his departure just 44 days later. Jimmy Armfield was then appointed as manager, guiding the team through a period of instability. In 1975, Leeds United reached the European Cup final under the management of Jimmy Armfield. The match, held at the Parc des Princes in Paris, ended in a controversial 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich. The referee�s decisions during the game were highly disputed, and the loss was a bitter blow following the club's domestic success under Revie.

Sergeant Wilko & The Last Champions

Howard Wilkinson's unexpected appointment as the manager of Leeds United in 1988 marked a turning point for the struggling team. Initially positioned near the bottom of the Second Division, Wilkinson guided Leeds to safety, finishing tenth in his first season. Subsequent strategic team-building, including notable signings like Gordon Strachan, Chris Fairclough, Vinnie Jones, and Lee Chapman, paved the way for Leeds' promotion to the First Division in the 1989-90 season. The team, led by Chapman, secured the Second Division title with a win over Bournemouth. Upon returning to the top flight, Wilkinson continued to strengthen the squad, finishing an impressive fourth in the First Division during the 1990-91 season. The pinnacle of Wilkinson's tenure came in the 1991-92 season when Leeds, led by key signings like Rod Wallace and Tony Dorigo, clinched the First Division title, ending an 18-year championship drought and becoming the last winners of the Football League Division One before the inception of the English Premier League in 1992-93.

European Adventures

The period between 1996 and 2003 was one of the most dramatic and transformative in Leeds United�s history, marked by managerial upheaval, European success, and ultimately financial mismanagement that set the club on a path to decline. Leeds� story during this time is one of highs and lows, from the glamour of European nights to the horrors of Istanbul and legal troubles, with the team�s fortunes mirroring the reckless financial gamble taken by Peter Ridsdale. This mismanagement ultimately led to Leeds� relegation from the Premier League in 2004, marking the start of a turbulent era for the club.

Doing a Leeds

The early 2000s were a tumultuous period for Leeds United, marked by financial instability and a series of managerial changes that profoundly impacted the club. In the 2003-2004 season, Leeds United faced relegation from the Premier League signalling the start of sixteen year of wilderness out of the top-flight of English football.

A New Dawn?

In 2008, Leeds United were grappling with the aftermath of their play-off faliure. The club's fortunes began to shift with the appointment of Simon Grayson as manager in December 2008, succeeding Gary McAllister. McAllister's tenure had been marred by inconsistent performances and a lack of stability, leading to a need for a fresh approach.

Fit & Proper Persons

The period between 2012 and 2018 at Leeds United was marked by turbulence, uncertainty, and mismanagement. A club with a storied history, including being one of England's elite in the 1960s and early 1970s, Leeds United had been languishing outside the Premier League since their relegation in 2004. The financial mismanagement that had caused the club�s dramatic fall from grace continued to plague it during this period, as Leeds was passed from one ownership group to another, with each promising a brighter future but often delivering more chaos.

Vamos Leeds Carajo

In 2018, Leeds United made one of the boldest decisions in the club�s modern history by appointing Marcelo Bielsa, the enigmatic and revered Argentine coach, to lead their charge back to the Premier League. Andrea Radrizzani, the club�s owner, and Victor Orta, the sporting director, orchestrated this high-profile appointment, despite Bielsa�s reputation for being a demanding and idiosyncratic figure. The gamble paid off in spectacular fashion, ushering in an era of transformation, passion, and eventual triumph.

The American Revolution

The 2022 season marked the start of a new era for Leeds United with the growing influence of 49ers Enterprises, who had been involved as minority shareholders. Jesse Marsch�s appointment, orchestrated by Victor Orta the previous season, intensified the American influence at the club. This was complemented by several American signings, including Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams. However, the experiment proved unsuccessful as Marsch was sacked and Leeds were relegated from the Premier League. The following season saw the 49ers complete a full takeover of the club, aiming to rebuild and regain Premier League status under new head coach Daniel Farke.

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Leeds United History

1900

Football in a Stubborn Yorkshire Rose

1905

The Leeds City Story

1919

The Birth of Leeds United

1920

Leeds United Roar into the 20s

1930

Leeds United in the 1930s

1939

The Outbreak of War

1945

The Post War Years

1949

Charles & Revie

1963

Twelve at The Top

1975

The Wilderness Years

1988

Sergeant Wilko & The Last Champions

1996

European Adventures

2003

Doing a Leeds

2008

A New Dawn?

2012

Fit & Proper Persons

2018

Vamos Leeds Carajo

2022

The American Revolution

OzWhite: Leeds United History

100 Greatest Leeds United Players

OzWhite: Leeds City History

Leeds United Player Records

Where Leeds United Must Spend Big to Compete in the Premier League

Leeds United News Archive

Message Boards & Forums

Harrison has no future at Elland Road

Countdown to Kick-Off: Leeds United’s Pre-Season Starts Next Week

Statistics & Records

Leeds United History

The Best Tips for Picking Your Online Slot Game

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