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. Leeds City were forcibly disbanded by the Football League in 1919. On 17 October 1919, supporters gathered and voted unanimously to form Leeds United. They received an invitation to enter the Midland League, being voted into it on 31 October.

Yorkshire Amateurs bought Elland Road and 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 in the Second Division and in 1923–24 won the title and promotion to the First Division. Leeds failed to establish themselves and were relegated in 1926–27. After relegation, Fairclough resigned, and Dick Ray returned as manager. In the years up until World War II, Leeds were twice relegated; on both occasions, they were re-promoted the following season.

On 5 March 1935, Dick Ray resigned and was replaced by Billy Hampson, who remained for 12 years. In 1946–47, Leeds United were relegated again with the worst league record in their history. Hampson resigned and was replaced in April 1947 by Willis Edwards. In 1948, Sam Bolton replaced Ernest Pullan as chairman.

Edwards was moved to assistant manager in April 1948 and replaced by Frank Buckley. Leeds United remained in the Second Division until 1955–56, when they 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 relegated to the Second Division in 1959–60. On 17 March 1961, Don Revie was appointed as manager. Under Revie, Leeds won promotion in 1963–64, and then won the League Cup in 1967–68, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1967–68 and again in 1970–71, the league title in 1968–69 and 1973–74, and the FA Cup in 1971–72. Revie left at the end of the 1973–74 season to become England manager.

Brian Clough was appointed as Revie's successor but was dismissed after 44 days. Jimmy Armfield replaced Clough and took Revie's ageing team to the final of the European Cup, where they were defeated by Bayern Munich.

Did You Know?

• Leeds United's all-white kit was inspired by Real Madrid, introduced by Don Revie.
• The club's record unbeaten run of 34 matches under Revie remains unbroken.