The 1925-26 season was another tumultuous chapter in Leeds United’s early history, as the club fought valiantly to maintain its place in Division One. The season underscored the club’s resilience and adaptability amidst significant challenges and changes.
Season Summary
Leeds United, fresh from their previous stint in Division One, faced an uphill battle throughout the 1925-26 campaign. The team finished in 19th place, narrowly avoiding relegation with 36 points from 14 wins, scoring a total of 64 goals. This was a commendable achievement given the fierce competition they faced.
Managerial Changes and Squad Adjustments
The season was marked by a notable overhaul in the squad. Manager Arthur Fairclough, who had guided the team through their initial Division One challenge, made several strategic moves to bolster the squad. His recruitment drive was highlighted by the signings of Willis Edwards, Tom Jennings, and Russell Wainscoat, who played a pivotal role in ensuring the team’s survival.
In the close season, Fairclough continued to reshape the team by bringing in several new faces: wingers Billy Jackson, Harry Duggan, Jackie Fell, and Bobby Turnbull, along with full back Jimmy Allan. These additions were aimed at strengthening the squad’s depth and improving their performance on the pitch.
Tom Jennings: A Key Figure
One of the standout performers for Leeds United during the 1925-26 season was Tom Jennings. Jennings made a significant impact by scoring 26 goals throughout the campaign, making him the club’s top scorer for the season. His striking prowess was a crucial factor in Leeds United’s efforts to fend off relegation. Jennings’ ability to find the back of the net in critical moments provided the team with the goals they needed to secure their place in Division One for another season. His contributions not only showcased his skill and determination but also highlighted the importance of having a prolific forward in a team fighting to survive in the top flight.
Player Departures and Financial Maneuvering
To fund these new signings, Fairclough and the club undertook a significant player turnover. Key players such as Sam Powell, Lawrie Baker, Albert Bell, Alan Noble, Fred Graver, Tom Bell, Bill Moore, James Clark, and Walter Coates were sold or released. Additionally, George Speak retired, and Billy Down, Jack Swan, Joe Harris, and Bert Duffield left within the first three months of the season.
This high level of player turnover and financial outlay indicated the board’s confidence in Fairclough’s vision, despite the inherent risks. The strategy was a gamble that would test the club’s stability and Fairclough’s managerial acumen.
Struggles and Survival
Despite these efforts, the season was fraught with difficulties. The team’s inconsistent performances meant they were entangled in a relegation battle throughout the campaign. Leeds United’s survival was not assured until the very last day of the season, highlighting the precarious nature of their position in Division One.
Conclusion
The 1925-26 season for Leeds United was a test of endurance and strategic foresight. While the team managed to stay afloat in the top tier of English football, it was clear that the club needed further stability and consistency. The extensive player turnover and high-risk approach undertaken by Fairclough did not yield immediate success, but the survival in Division One was a testament to the team’s resilience, Tom Jennings’ pivotal contributions, and the strategic decisions made during this challenging period.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts | Qualification or Relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 23 | 11 | 8 | 92 | 60 | 1.533 | 57 | |
| 2 | Arsenal | 42 | 22 | 8 | 12 | 87 | 63 | 1.381 | 52 | |
| 3 | Sunderland | 42 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 96 | 80 | 1.200 | 48 | |
| 4 | Bury | 42 | 20 | 7 | 15 | 85 | 77 | 1.104 | 47 | |
| 5 | Sheffield United | 42 | 19 | 8 | 15 | 102 | 82 | 1.244 | 46 | |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 42 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 86 | 76 | 1.132 | 44 | |
| 7 | Liverpool | 42 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 70 | 63 | 1.111 | 44 | |
| 8 | Bolton Wanderers | 42 | 17 | 10 | 15 | 75 | 76 | 0.987 | 44 | |
| 9 | Manchester United | 42 | 19 | 6 | 17 | 66 | 73 | 0.904 | 44 | |
| 10 | Newcastle United | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 84 | 75 | 1.120 | 42 | |
| 11 | Everton | 42 | 12 | 18 | 12 | 72 | 70 | 1.029 | 42 | |
| 12 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 91 | 80 | 1.138 | 41 | |
| 13 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 16 | 8 | 18 | 79 | 78 | 1.013 | 40 | |
| 14 | Birmingham | 42 | 16 | 8 | 18 | 66 | 81 | 0.815 | 40 | |
| 15 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 66 | 79 | 0.835 | 39 | |
| 16 | Cardiff City | 42 | 16 | 7 | 19 | 61 | 76 | 0.803 | 39 | |
| 17 | Leicester City | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 70 | 80 | 0.875 | 38 | |
| 18 | West Ham United | 42 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 63 | 76 | 0.829 | 37 | |
| 19 | Leeds United | 42 | 14 | 8 | 20 | 64 | 76 | 0.842 | 36 | |
| 20 | Burnley | 42 | 13 | 10 | 19 | 85 | 108 | 0.787 | 36 | |
| 21 | Manchester City | 42 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 89 | 100 | 0.890 | 35 | Relegated to the Second Division |
| 22 | Notts County | 42 | 13 | 7 | 22 | 54 | 74 | 0.730 | 33 |
Leeds United Fixtures 1925-26 season
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 1925 | Notts County v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 31 Aug 1925 | Leeds United v Bolton Wanderers | W | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 05 Sep 1925 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 07 Sep 1925 | Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 12 Sep 1925 | Leicester City v Leeds United | W | 1-3 | League Division One |
| 16 Sep 1925 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 19 Sep 1925 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 5-2 | League Division One |
| 26 Sep 1925 | Arsenal v Leeds United | L | 4-1 | League Division One |
| 03 Oct 1925 | Leeds United v Manchester United | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 10 Oct 1925 | Liverpool v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 17 Oct 1925 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | L | 0-4 | League Division One |
| 24 Oct 1925 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 4-2 | League Division One |
| 31 Oct 1925 | Leeds United v Bury | L | 2-3 | League Division One |
| 07 Nov 1925 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 14 Nov 1925 | Leeds United v Cardiff City | W | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 21 Nov 1925 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | L | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 28 Nov 1925 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | L | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 05 Dec 1925 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 12 Dec 1925 | Leeds United v Manchester City | L | 3-4 | League Division One |
| 19 Dec 1925 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | L | 3-2 | League Division One |
| 25 Dec 1925 | Leeds United v Burnley | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 26 Dec 1925 | Burnley v Leeds United | L | 6-3 | League Division One |
| 01 Jan 1926 | Sunderland v Leeds United | W | 1-3 | League Division One |
| 02 Jan 1926 | Leeds United v Notts County | W | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 09 Jan 1926 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | L | 5-1 | FA Cup |
| 23 Jan 1926 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 30 Jan 1926 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 4-2 | League Division One |
| 03 Feb 1926 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 06 Feb 1926 | Leeds United v Arsenal | W | 4-2 | League Division One |
| 13 Feb 1926 | Manchester United v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 20 Feb 1926 | Leeds United v Liverpool | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 27 Feb 1926 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 06 Mar 1926 | Leeds United v Everton | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 13 Mar 1926 | Bury v Leeds United | W | 0-2 | League Division One |
| 20 Mar 1926 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | W | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 27 Mar 1926 | Cardiff City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 03 Apr 1926 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 05 Apr 1926 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 06 Apr 1926 | Leeds United v Sunderland | L | 0-2 | League Division One |
| 10 Apr 1926 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 17 Apr 1926 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 27 Apr 1926 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 01 May 1926 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | W | 4-1 | League Division One |
