Leeds United

Lore & Background

Leeds United have won three top-flight league titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, two Charity Shields and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups. The club had their most successful period under the management of Don Revie in the 1960s and 1970s. The club have also been runners-up five times in the top flight, three times in the FA Cup, once each in the League Cup, the Charity Shield, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the Cup Winners' Cup and the European Cup. Leeds United share rivalries with Manchester United and Chelsea. The team's traditional kit colours are white shirts, white shorts and white socks. Their badge features the White Rose of York, which is a symbol of Yorkshire.

Reader's Guide

Leeds United's predecessor, Leeds City, was formed in 1904 and elected to League membership in 1905. In 1919, Leeds City were forcibly disbanded by the Football League. At Salem Chapel in 1919, Leeds United was formed, and they received an invitation to enter the Midland League. Following Leeds City's disbanding, Yorkshire Amateurs bought their Elland Road stadium and then sold it to Leeds United for £250.

Huddersfield Town chairman Hilton Crowther loaned Leeds United £35,000 to be repaid when Leeds United won promotion to the First Division. He brought in former Barnsley manager Arthur Fairclough taking charge on 26 February 1920, replacing Dick Ray. On 31 May 1920, Leeds United were elected to the Football League. Leeds consolidated their position in the Second Division and in 1923–24 won the title and with it promotion to the First Division.

Leeds failed to establish themselves and were relegated in 1926–27. After their relegation, Fairclough resigned, which paved the way for Dick Ray to return as manager. In the years up until the start of World War II, Leeds were twice relegated; on both occasions, they were re-promoted the following season. On 5 March 1935, Dick Ray resigned after 8 years being manager, and was replaced by Billy Hampson, who remained in charge for 12 years.

In 1946–47 after the war, Leeds United were relegated again, with the worst league record in their history. After this season, Hampson resigned and was replaced in April 1947 by Willis Edwards. In 1948, Sam Bolton replaced Ernest Pullan as the chairman of Leeds United. Edwards was moved to assistant manager in April 1948 after just one year as manager.

He was replaced by Frank Buckley. Leeds United remained in the Second Division until 1955–56, when they once again won promotion to the First Division, inspired by John Charles. Charles was sold to Juventus for a then world record fee of £65,000. On 30 November 1957, Gerry Francis became the club's first black player.

Leeds United were then relegated to the Second Division in 1959–60. On 17 March 1961, Don Revie was appointed as manager following the resignation of Jack Taylor. His stewardship began in adverse circumstances; the club was 'in financial difficulty' and in 1961–62 only a win in the final game of the season saved the club from relegation to the Third Division.