Don Revie

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Revie was born in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire. He began his career with Leicester City in August 1944, then moved to Hull City in November 1949 for £19,000, then to Manchester City in October 1951 for £25,000. At Manchester City he became the focus of the 'Revie Plan' and was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1954–55. He won the FA Cup in 1956. He was bought by Sunderland for £22,000 in October 1956, then moved to Leeds United in November 1958 for £14,000. He scored 108 goals in 501 league and cup appearances in an 18-year professional career, and scored four goals in six England appearances. As Leeds manager from March 1961, he won the Second Division in 1963–64, the First Division in 1968–69 and 1973–74, the FA Cup in 1972, the League Cup in 1968, the FA Charity Shield in 1969, and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971. He became England manager in July 1974, had an unsuccessful three years, then quit to manage the United Arab Emirates. He later managed Al-Nasr and Al-Ahly. He retired in 1984, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in May 1987, and died two years later. He has a stand named after him at Elland Road and a statue outside the ground.

In Their Own Story

The transformation began in March 1961 when Revie accepted the player-manager role at a Second Division club with no major honors. He quickly reshaped the squad, leading them to win the Second Division title in the 1963–64 season. By 1968, Leeds had climbed to the top tier, securing the League Cup and their first Inter-Cities Fairs Cup trophy. The peak arrived in 1972 with an FA Cup victory, followed by a second European triumph in 1971. Revie's tenure culminated in winning the First Division title again in 1973–74. His departure in July 1974 to manage England marked a sudden end to this golden period. Although his time as England manager was unsuccessful and ended in controversy over allegations of financial misconduct, his impact at Leeds remained undeniable. The club honored him with a stand named after him and a statue outside the ground, cementing his status as a legend despite the later tarnish on his reputation.

Reader's Guide

Revie was a forward who innovated the deep-lying centre forward role in England. As a player, he was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1954–55 and won the FA Cup in 1956. As Leeds manager, his teams were criticised for a physical and often negative approach, though the period was noted for highly physical football across the country. His resignation as England manager fuelled criticism of him as money-obsessed, and unproved allegations of bribery and financial misconduct tarnished his reputation.

Did You Know?

• Revie learned the rudiments of the game using a small bundle of rags in the tiny yard behind his home.
• He missed the 1949 FA Cup final due to a nasal haemorrhage caused by a burst vein.
• He was fined £27 by Manchester City manager Les McDowall for missing two weeks of training for a family holiday.
• He scored 108 goals in 501 league and cup appearances in an 18-year professional career.