A Remarkable Season for Leeds United
The 1932-33 season marked a significant achievement for Leeds United as they finished in an impressive 8th position in Division 1, accumulating 44 points. This season was a testament to their resilience and capability, especially given their history of fluctuating between divisions. Despite their reputation as a yo-yo team, Leeds demonstrated their strength in the top flight, proving they could compete at the highest level.
Overcoming the Yo-Yo Team Reputation
Leeds United’s history was marked by frequent promotions and relegations. Since their election to the Second Division in 1920, they had seen several changes: promoted in 1924, relegated in 1927, promoted again in 1928, relegated once more in 1931, and then immediately promoted again in 1932. Their 1932-33 campaign in Division 1 was crucial in showing that they could hold their ground in the top flight.
Key Players and Managerial Decisions
The squad for the 1932-33 season featured several standout players, including the renowned Edwards-Hart-Copping half-back line and forward duo Tom Cochrane and Billy Furness. Manager Dick Ray maintained a stable lineup with minimal changes during the summer. Notably, 36-year-old Bobby Turnbull retired and left for Rhyl in September, making way for new talent.
In defense, George Milburn joined as right-back, with his brother Jack switching to the left flank. Jimmy Potts continued as goalkeeper. The midfield saw a temporary change due to Willis Edwards’ injury; Alex Stacey stepped up to support Ernie Hart and Wilf Copping. Up front, Arthur Hydes emerged as the key striker, alongside the ever-reliable Furness. The forward line was bolstered by Johnny Mahon, Cochrane, Charlie Keetley, and Harry Duggan, each contributing significantly throughout the season.
A Season of Solid Performances
Leeds United’s 1932-33 season was marked by solid performances and competitive matches. They managed to secure their position in Division 1, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level despite their previous yo-yo status. This achievement laid a strong foundation for the future, proving their worth in the top tier of English football.
Division 1 English Football – 1932-33 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 42 | 25 | 8 | 9 | 118 | 61 | 1.934 | 58 |
| 2 | Aston Villa | 42 | 23 | 8 | 11 | 92 | 67 | 1.373 | 54 |
| 3 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 21 | 9 | 12 | 80 | 68 | 1.176 | 51 |
| 4 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 83 | 70 | 1.186 | 49 |
| 5 | Newcastle United | 42 | 22 | 5 | 15 | 71 | 63 | 1.127 | 49 |
| 6 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 18 | 11 | 13 | 66 | 53 | 1.245 | 47 |
| 7 | Derby County | 42 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 76 | 69 | 1.101 | 44 |
| 8 | Leeds United | 42 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 59 | 62 | 0.952 | 44 |
| 9 | Portsmouth | 42 | 18 | 7 | 17 | 74 | 76 | 0.974 | 43 |
| 10 | Sheffield United | 42 | 17 | 9 | 16 | 74 | 80 | 0.925 | 43 |
| 11 | Everton | 42 | 16 | 9 | 17 | 81 | 74 | 1.095 | 41 |
| 12 | Sunderland | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 63 | 80 | 0.788 | 40 |
| 13 | Birmingham | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 57 | 57 | 1.000 | 39 |
| 14 | Liverpool | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 79 | 84 | 0.940 | 39 |
| 15 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 76 | 102 | 0.745 | 38 |
| 16 | Manchester City | 42 | 16 | 5 | 21 | 68 | 71 | 0.958 | 37 |
| 17 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 14 | 9 | 19 | 63 | 73 | 0.863 | 37 |
| 18 | Chelsea | 42 | 14 | 7 | 21 | 63 | 73 | 0.863 | 35 |
| 19 | Leicester City | 42 | 11 | 13 | 18 | 75 | 89 | 0.843 | 35 |
| 20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 13 | 9 | 20 | 80 | 96 | 0.833 | 35 |
| 21 | Bolton Wanderers | 42 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 78 | 92 | 0.848 | 33 |
| 22 | Blackpool | 42 | 14 | 5 | 23 | 69 | 85 | 0.812 | 33 |
Leeds United 1932-33 Fixtures – Results
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Aug 1932 | Leeds United v Derby County | L | 0-2 | League Division One |
| 29 Aug 1932 | Blackpool v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 03 Sep 1932 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 05 Sep 1932 | Leeds United v Blackpool | W | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 10 Sep 1932 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 17 Sep 1932 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | W | 3-2 | League Division One |
| 24 Sep 1932 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 01 Oct 1932 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 08 Oct 1932 | Sunderland v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 15 Oct 1932 | Leeds United v Manchester City | W | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 22 Oct 1932 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 29 Oct 1932 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 05 Nov 1932 | Liverpool v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 12 Nov 1932 | Leeds United v Leicester City | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 19 Nov 1932 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | D | 3-3 | League Division One |
| 26 Nov 1932 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 03 Dec 1932 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 10 Dec 1932 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 17 Dec 1932 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 24 Dec 1932 | Leeds United v Bolton Wanderers | W | 4-3 | League Division One |
| 26 Dec 1932 | Arsenal v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 27 Dec 1932 | Leeds United v Arsenal | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 31 Dec 1932 | Derby County v Leeds United | L | 5-1 | League Division One |
| 07 Jan 1933 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | W | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 14 Jan 1933 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | W | 0-3 | FA Cup |
| 21 Jan 1933 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 28 Jan 1933 | Tranmere Rovers v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | FA Cup |
| 01 Feb 1933 | Leeds United v Tranmere Rovers | W | 4-0 | FA Cup |
| 04 Feb 1933 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 08 Feb 1933 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | L | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 11 Feb 1933 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 18 Feb 1933 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 2-0 | FA Cup |
| 22 Feb 1933 | Leeds United v Sunderland | L | 2-3 | League Division One |
| 04 Mar 1933 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | L | 1-3 | League Division One |
| 11 Mar 1933 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | D | 3-3 | League Division One |
| 18 Mar 1933 | Leeds United v Liverpool | W | 5-0 | League Division One |
| 25 Mar 1933 | Leicester City v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 01 Apr 1933 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | L | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 05 Apr 1933 | Manchester City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 08 Apr 1933 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 6-0 | League Division One |
| 15 Apr 1933 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 6-1 | League Division One |
| 17 Apr 1933 | Everton v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 18 Apr 1933 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 22 Apr 1933 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 29 Apr 1933 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | L | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 06 May 1933 | Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 5-0 | League Division One |
