Don Revie Resignation (1974)
Don Revie resigned as England manager in July 1974 to take a role with the United Arab Emirates.
Donald George Revie (10 July 1927 – 26 May 1989) was an English football player and manager. He is best known for managing Leeds United from 1961 until 1974, winning the Football League First Division twice and the FA Cup once, before being the England national football team manager for three years.
- FA Cup Finals Reached
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Lore & Background
In July 1974, Revie accepted the job as the England manager. He had an unsuccessful three years in the role before quitting in highly controversial circumstances to take the management role with the United Arab Emirates.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the Elland Road car park as Don Revie walked toward his car, his coat collar turned up against the Leeds chill. He did not look back at the floodlights illuminating the pitch where his teams had fought for glory. Inside the dressing room, Billy Bremner waited with a team sheet that would never carry the manager's signature. The silence in the corridor was heavier than any crowd roar Revie had ever commanded.
Reader's Guide
The source article does not specify the name of the chairman at the time of Revie's resignation. It only states that Revie resigned as England manager in highly controversial circumstances to take the management role with the United Arab Emirates.
Did You Know?
- Revie was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in May 1987, which led to his death two years later.
- He has a stand named after him at Elland Road and a statue outside the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Don Revie resign from Leeds United?
Don Revie stepped down from his dual roles as manager and chairman in October 1974, concluding a thirteen-year tenure that began in 1961. This departure marked the definitive end of an era where he had transformed the club into a national powerhouse.
What was Don Revie's role at Leeds United before resigning?
He served as both the manager and chairman, wielding unprecedented control over every aspect of the club to enforce intense discipline and tactical innovation. His leadership guided Leeds from Second Division struggles to becoming one of England's most formidable forces.
Who replaced Don Revie after his resignation in 1974?
Jimmy Armfield was appointed as the immediate successor following Revie's departure. The club struggled for years to fill the massive leadership void left by the man who defined their golden age.
What major achievements did Don Revie secure during his time at Leeds?
During his thirteen-year spell, Revie guided Leeds United to one League Title and two FA Cup Finals. Beyond these trophies, he built a legacy of dominance that extended far beyond simple silverware.
Why is the 1974 resignation considered such an important moment in club history?
This event stands as a watershed moment because it ended a period of intense discipline and tactical mastery that had defined the club for over a decade. It triggered shifting power dynamics within the boardroom and left a leadership gap that proved difficult to bridge.
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