Leeds United Football Club

Leeds United: English Premier League Football History

Leeds United History and Highlights.

Based in West Yorkshire, Leeds United is an English football team playing in the English Premier League. Leeds has a rich and interesting history and lots of rivalries in the division. They are also known as the whites and The Peacocks.

Over the hundred years of history of this club, Leeds has been called The Peacocks due to the pub of the same name near their football ground. In fact, the ground was formerly dubbed The Old Peacock Ground.

Foundation

Leeds United was formed in 1919 after Leeds city was disbanded after they were found out paying salaries to the players, which was against the rules at that time. When the Football league started in 1920, they were placed in the second tier of English football, and it took four years to come to the first tier. But their happiness was short-lived, and they were demoted in 1927.

The 1960’s and 70’s

Leeds tasted success in the Don Revie era, spanning from 1961 to 1974. A former player himself, he helped restructure the club from top to bottom, including changing their kit to all white. With Don in command, Leeds was promoted to the first division in 1964, and in the following two years, came second in the league. In 1965 they lost out just on points difference to Manchester United and also went on to the FA cup finals.

Finally, the resistance came through, and they got their hands on League Cup in 1968. Don’s record at Leeds was phenomenal with them getting their hands on two Football League First Division titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, one Football League Second Division title, and one Charity Shield at the end of his reign in 1974. Leeds dominated English football in that era, unbeaten in 34 games in a period spanning two seasons which is still an unbroken club record.

The 80’s and 90’s

In the post-Revie era, Leeds entered a period of stagnation. They were initially able to sustain their place in the top tier of English football by being in the top ten, although they were eventually relegated in 1982. However, Leeds was able to turn this around and, by 1990, they regained their spot and were promoted. Then, just two years later, in 1992, they won the title.

Leeds were a part of the Premier League from the beginning when it was formed and had a great period of success in the initial stages, consistently placing in the top five teams and playing European football.

Turn of the Century

After the turn of the century, Leeds was in deep financial trouble. After taking out huge loans, they crumbled due to the high-interest payment and not achieving a top-four finish in the Champions league which blew away their finances. This accumulated over the years, and they were finally relegated to league one in 2004. It took them 20 years to get back in the premier league, helped by the Radrizzani takeover and restructuring of the club.

Rivalries

Leeds United is known for its rivalries across the world. The loyal supporters go to lengths to support their beloved club. They have been referred to as ‘Dirty Leeds’ by the rivals’ fans because of them being too direct and overly physical both on and off the pitch.

The most noteworthy rivalry in English football is between Manchester United and Leeds United, which is also known as the Roses rivalry or the Pennines derby. This is a historic rivalry between the teams originating from Lancashire and Yorkshire and the civil war between them, also known as Wars of the Roses. This rivalry was ignited again on the pitch with Don Revie and Matt Busby in the 1960s and due to hooliganism in the 1990s. Leeds United’s other fierce rivals include Chelsea and the Turkish club Galatasaray.