A Season of Redemption
After the disappointment of relegation in the 1930-31 season, Leeds United embarked on a remarkable journey in the 1931-32 campaign. Under the guidance of manager Dick Ray, who had made several strategic changes during the off-season, Leeds United aimed to make an immediate return to Division One. The season proved to be a resounding success, with Leeds finishing in a commendable second position, just two points behind the champions, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Key Changes and Squad Adjustments
A Busy Transfer Window
The close season saw a significant overhaul of the squad. The departures of John White, Eric Longden, and Harry Roberts had already set the stage for change. In the summer of 1931, further adjustments were made with the exits of George Reed, Tom Jennings, Bill Johnson, Ben Underwood, and Tom Mitchell. Notably, Tom Jennings’ move to Chester marked the end of a prolific chapter for the centre-forward, who had scored 112 goals in 167 league appearances since joining Leeds in 1925.
Despite the departures, Ray brought in key new signings, including left-half Tom Neal and goalkeepers Reg Savage and Stan Moore. These additions were aimed at bolstering the squad and addressing the issues that had plagued the previous season.
Rejuvenated Squad
With injuries and loss of form affecting key players like Jennings and Charlie Keetley, Ray turned to fresh talent. Inside-left Billy Furness, a non-league recruit from Unsworth Colliery, played a significant role throughout the season. Tom Cochrane, who replaced Tom Mitchell on the left wing, and Harry Duggan, who took over from Bobby Turnbull on the right, added depth and dynamism to the squad.
Despite these changes, Ray retained a core group from the relegation season, including goalkeeper Jimmy Potts, full-backs Jack Milburn and Bill Menzies, and the formidable half-back line of Willis Edwards, Ernie Hart, and Wilf Copping. Up front, Joe Firth, Keetley, Cochrane, Furness, and Duggan formed a potent attacking force. Arthur Hydes, signed in 1930, also made occasional appearances up front, proving his worth as a future asset.
Outstanding Performance
Leeds United’s 1931-32 season was characterized by an impressive offensive output and solid defensive performance. The team scored a total of 78 goals while conceding 54, showcasing a balanced and effective approach. The attacking prowess of Leeds was evident as they contended fiercely for the top spot throughout the season.
Their strong showing was a testament to the tactical acumen of Dick Ray and the resilience of a squad that had been restructured to overcome the challenges of the Second Division. Finishing the season with 54 points, Leeds United secured their promotion back to Division One, demonstrating their capability and ambition.
Conclusion: A Triumph of Resilience
The 1931-32 season will be remembered as a triumph for Leeds United, reflecting the club’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. The successful promotion to Division One was a fitting reward for the hard work and strategic planning undertaken by Dick Ray and his team. As Leeds United prepared to re-enter the top flight, the season stood as a testament to their strength and determination, setting the stage for future successes.
Division 2: English football – 1931-32 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts | Qualification or Relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 24 | 8 | 10 | 115 | 49 | 2.347 | 56 | Promoted to the First Division |
| 2 | Leeds United | 42 | 22 | 10 | 10 | 78 | 54 | 1.444 | 54 | |
| 3 | Stoke City | 42 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 69 | 48 | 1.438 | 52 | |
| 4 | Plymouth Argyle | 42 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 100 | 66 | 1.515 | 49 | |
| 5 | Bury | 42 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 70 | 58 | 1.207 | 49 | |
| 6 | Bradford Park Avenue | 42 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 72 | 63 | 1.143 | 49 | |
| 7 | Bradford City | 42 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 80 | 61 | 1.311 | 45 | |
| 8 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 16 | 11 | 15 | 87 | 78 | 1.115 | 43 | |
| 9 | Millwall | 42 | 17 | 9 | 16 | 61 | 61 | 1.000 | 43 | |
| 10 | Charlton Athletic | 42 | 17 | 9 | 16 | 61 | 66 | 0.924 | 43 | |
| 11 | Nottingham Forest | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 77 | 72 | 1.069 | 42 | |
| 12 | Manchester United | 42 | 17 | 8 | 17 | 71 | 72 | 0.986 | 42 | |
| 13 | Preston North End | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 75 | 77 | 0.974 | 42 | |
| 14 | Southampton | 42 | 17 | 7 | 18 | 66 | 77 | 0.857 | 41 | |
| 15 | Swansea Town | 42 | 16 | 7 | 19 | 73 | 75 | 0.973 | 39 | |
| 16 | Notts County | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 75 | 75 | 1.000 | 38 | |
| 17 | Chesterfield | 42 | 13 | 11 | 18 | 64 | 86 | 0.744 | 37 | |
| 18 | Oldham Athletic | 42 | 13 | 10 | 19 | 62 | 84 | 0.738 | 36 | |
| 19 | Burnley | 42 | 13 | 9 | 20 | 59 | 87 | 0.678 | 35 | |
| 20 | Port Vale | 42 | 13 | 7 | 22 | 58 | 89 | 0.652 | 33 | |
| 21 | Barnsley | 42 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 55 | 91 | 0.604 | 33 | Relegated to the Third Division North |
| 22 | Bristol City | 42 | 6 | 11 | 25 | 39 | 78 | 0.500 | 23 | Relegated to the Third Division South |
Leeds United 1931-32 Fixtures – Results
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 1931 | Swansea Town v Leeds United | W | 0-2 | League Division Two |
| 31 Aug 1931 | Port Vale v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | League Division Two |
| 05 Sep 1931 | Leeds United v Barnsley | L | 0-1 | League Division Two |
| 07 Sep 1931 | Leeds United v Millwall | L | 0-1 | League Division Two |
| 12 Sep 1931 | Notts County v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 14 Sep 1931 | Millwall v Leeds United | W | 2-3 | League Division Two |
| 19 Sep 1931 | Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle | D | 0-0 | League Division Two |
| 26 Sep 1931 | Bristol City v Leeds United | W | 0-2 | League Division Two |
| 03 Oct 1931 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | W | 5-0 | League Division Two |
| 10 Oct 1931 | Bury v Leeds United | W | 1-4 | League Division Two |
| 17 Oct 1931 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 2-1 | League Division Two |
| 24 Oct 1931 | Charlton Athletic v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | League Division Two |
| 31 Oct 1931 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 2-0 | League Division Two |
| 07 Nov 1931 | Manchester United v Leeds United | W | 2-5 | League Division Two |
| 14 Nov 1931 | Leeds United v Preston North End | W | 4-1 | League Division Two |
| 21 Nov 1931 | Burnley v Leeds United | W | 0-5 | League Division Two |
| 28 Nov 1931 | Leeds United v Chesterfield | D | 3-3 | League Division Two |
| 05 Dec 1931 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | D | 3-3 | League Division Two |
| 12 Dec 1931 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | W | 1-0 | League Division Two |
| 19 Dec 1931 | Southampton v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division Two |
| 25 Dec 1931 | Bradford Park Avenue v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division Two |
| 26 Dec 1931 | Leeds United v Bradford Park Avenue | W | 3-2 | League Division Two |
| 02 Jan 1932 | Leeds United v Swansea Town | W | 3-2 | League Division Two |
| 09 Jan 1932 | Queens Park Rangers v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | FA Cup |
| 16 Jan 1932 | Barnsley v Leeds United | W | 0-2 | League Division Two |
| 23 Jan 1932 | Leeds United v Notts County | D | 2-2 | League Division Two |
| 30 Jan 1932 | Plymouth Argyle v Leeds United | L | 3-2 | League Division Two |
| 06 Feb 1932 | Leeds United v Bristol City | W | 1-0 | League Division Two |
| 13 Feb 1932 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division Two |
| 20 Feb 1932 | Leeds United v Bury | W | 1-0 | League Division Two |
| 27 Feb 1932 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 05 Mar 1932 | Leeds United v Charlton Athletic | W | 2-0 | League Division Two |
| 12 Mar 1932 | Stoke City v Leeds United | W | 3-4 | League Division Two |
| 19 Mar 1932 | Leeds United v Manchester United | L | 1-4 | League Division Two |
| 26 Mar 1932 | Preston North End v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division Two |
| 28 Mar 1932 | Bradford City v Leeds United | L | 4-1 | League Division Two |
| 29 Mar 1932 | Leeds United v Bradford City | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 02 Apr 1932 | Leeds United v Burnley | W | 3-1 | League Division Two |
| 09 Apr 1932 | Chesterfield v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 16 Apr 1932 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | D | 1-1 | League Division Two |
| 23 Apr 1932 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | League Division Two |
| 30 Apr 1932 | Leeds United v Southampton | W | 1-0 | League Division Two |
| 07 May 1932 | Leeds United v Port Vale | L | 0-2 | League Division Two |
