Leeds United Football Club was founded on October 17th, 1919, following the collapse of Leeds City FC, which faced financial trouble and was expelled from the Football League for illegal payments. Established in 1904, Leeds City struggled with debt despite improvement under manager Herbert Chapman. In October 1919, fans decided to create a new club—Leeds United—taking over Elland Road and joining the Midland League.

Simultaneously, Huddersfield Town faced a financial crisis that nearly led to their relocation to Leeds. J. Hilton Crowther, who initially proposed a merger between Huddersfield and Leeds United, became chairman of Leeds and provided key funding, helping the club secure a place in the Football League by 1920.

 

War and Rebuilding

World War II put a strain on the club, with many players leaving to serve in the military. Elland Road was partially repurposed for military administration, but also a military sport venue with local youngsters and guest players keeping football alive in Leeds through unofficial matches. By the mid-1950s, Leeds United faced relegation and promotion four times, giving fans an unstable but memorable experience.

 

Rise of Revie’s Leeds (1960s-70s)

The early 1960s were challenging for Leeds, but a turning point came when Don Revie, initially a player, became manager in 1961. He switched the team’s kit to all white, drawing inspiration from Real Madrid, and focused on developing young talents like Billy Bremner and recruiting seasoned players like Bobby Collins. This transformed the struggling team into a competitive one, eventually avoiding Third Division relegation.

By 1963, Leeds secured promotion to the First Division. Revie's side, led by Bremner, Norman Hunter, and Paul Reaney, became formidable, reaching the FA Cup final in 1965 and winning multiple trophies. The late 1960s and early 70s marked a golden era, with Leeds winning the League Cup in 1968, the Fairs Cup, and ultimately their first League Championship in 1969. Don Revie continued to strengthen the squad, leading Leeds to further titles but also experiencing near-misses, including the infamous losses in the European Cup and FA Cup finals.

 

Wilkinson Era and Promotions (1989-1992)

In 1989, Howard Wilkinson signed Vinnie Jones, known for his tough playing style. Jones became a key figure in uniting the team, contributing to Leeds’ push for promotion. Despite a shaky start to the 1989/90 season, Leeds rebounded, led by new signings such as Lee Chapman. They achieved promotion to the First Division in a tightly contested race with Newcastle and Sheffield United.

Leeds’ success continued into the 1991/92 season, where they claimed the League Championship, outpacing Manchester United. This achievement crowned Leeds United as champions in both league and cup competitions, cementing their status as one of the strongest teams in England at the time.

 

Ups, Downs, and Financial Turmoil (1997-2007)

Following success in the early 90s, Leeds qualified for the UEFA Cup and Champions League under manager David O'Leary in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They reached the semi-finals in both competitions, but the financial costs of chasing further glory eventually led to disaster. By the early 2000s, financial mismanagement left Leeds in turmoil, forcing them to sell top players, training grounds, and even Elland Road.

Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004, followed by further financial woes that led to administration and a points deduction, dropping them to the third tier of English football. It was a bleak time for Leeds and its loyal fans, who faced one of the darkest periods in the club’s history.

 

The Bielsa Era and Premier League Return (2018-2021)

In 2018, Leeds United appointed Marcelo Bielsa, the enigmatic Argentine coach, to lead them back to the top. Bielsa's methods and his attacking, high-intensity philosophy quickly rejuvenated the club. Despite a heartbreaking playoff loss in his first season, Bielsa’s Leeds secured promotion in 2020, winning the Championship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2020/21, earning praise for their fearless, attacking style of football, which led them to a respectable 9th place finish. Bielsa became a beloved figure in Leeds for his devotion to the club and the local community.

Challenges and Relegation (2021-2023)

The 2021/22 season was more challenging, with injuries and poor form pushing Leeds into a relegation fight. Bielsa, adored by fans, was replaced by Jesse Marsch in early 2022, who managed to secure survival on the final day of the season. However, in 2023, after a season of struggles, Leeds were ultimately relegated from the Premier League again, marking yet another chapter of ups and downs for the club.

Through the Highs and Lows

Leeds United's history is filled with remarkable highs and crushing lows, but through it all, the club has demonstrated resilience, passion, and a fighting spirit that reflects the loyalty of its fans. From Revie's successes to Bielsa's transformation, Leeds United remains one of the most iconic football clubs.

Discover more Leeds United history with Football Timelines - Leeds United Timeline Print available at:- https://football-timelines.com/products/leeds-united-history-timeline-print

 

The Leeds United Timeline Print showcases the players with 100 games, season results, cups, key moments in history and the managers and chairmen who shaped each club’s identity.

How to Buy from Football Timelines: The Leeds United timeline is a premium, large-format print designed to celebrate 105 years of the club’s history. Printed on 250gsm fine art paper, it offers a high-quality, durable finish, bringing to life the passion, grit, and glory of Leeds United in a stunning visual journey. This timeline is available in a standard B2 size, perfect for easy framing, and can be purchased either unframed or framed. Whether it’s for your home, office, or as a special gift, this unique piece of football memorabilia is perfect for any occasion.

Available at: https://football-timelines.com/products/leeds-united-history-timeline-print

 

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