Overview of the 1934-35 Season
The 1934-35 season was a challenging one for Leeds United, marked by significant struggles and a precarious battle to maintain their First Division status. Finishing in 18th place, Leeds United narrowly avoided relegation, securing their place in the top tier for another season. The departure of key players and a series of heavy defeats highlighted a year of transition and difficulty.
Key Departures and Squad Changes
Wilf Copping’s Departure
One of the most significant blows for Leeds United came in June 1934, when Arsenal, the League champions known as the “Bank of England Club,” signed Wilf Copping for £6,000. Copping was a crucial player for Leeds, and his departure left a substantial gap in the team’s defense. The transfer was finalized following the unexpected death of Arsenal’s former boss, Herbert Chapman, who had long admired Copping’s prowess.
Loss of Jimmy Potts
Another notable departure was goalkeeper Jimmy Potts, who left for Port Vale after nearly 250 appearances for Leeds United. Potts had been a dependable presence between the posts, and his exit added to the team’s instability.
New Signings and Squad Adjustments
New Arrivals
In response to the losses, Manager Dick Ray looked to rebuild the squad by bringing in several new players from junior football. Among the new recruits were:
- Les Goldberg: Full-back
- Fred Mills: Wing-half
- Jack Hargreaves: Winger
- John Thomson: Inside-forward
Eric Stephenson emerged as a particularly successful addition, eventually earning an England cap.
Experienced Additions
During the winter transfer window, Ray also invested in more experienced players to bolster the squad. Notable signings included:
- Jock McDougall: Centre-half, signed from Sunderland for £6,000
- Jack Kelly: Centre-forward, acquired from Newcastle for £1,150
The Struggles of the Season
Defensive Woes
Leeds United’s defensive issues were a major concern throughout the season. The team suffered several humiliating defeats, including:
- Opening Day: Middlesbrough defeated Leeds 4-2 at Elland Road.
- Early September: A staggering 8-1 loss at Stoke.
- November: A 6-3 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
- March: A 7-1 thrashing at Chelsea, despite Leeds initially taking the lead.
Arthur Hydes’ Goal Scoring Feat
Amid the team’s overall struggles, Arthur Hydes stood out as a beacon of hope. The forward emerged as Leeds United’s top scorer for the season, netting 25 goals. Hydes’ contributions were crucial in helping Leeds secure enough points to avoid relegation.
Conclusion: Survival and Looking Ahead
Despite a season fraught with difficulties and a disappointing league position, Leeds United managed to stay in the First Division. The departures of key players and defensive shortcomings were significant challenges, but the arrival of new talent and the goal-scoring prowess of Arthur Hydes provided some positives. As the club looked ahead to the next season, the focus would be on rebuilding and addressing the areas of concern that had plagued the 1934-35 campaign.
First Division Standings 1934-35 – English Football
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts | Qualification or Relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 42 | 23 | 12 | 7 | 115 | 46 | 2.500 | 58 | League Champions |
| 2 | Sunderland | 42 | 19 | 16 | 7 | 90 | 51 | 1.765 | 54 | |
| 3 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 18 | 13 | 11 | 70 | 64 | 1.094 | 49 | FA Cup Winners |
| 4 | Manchester City | 42 | 20 | 8 | 14 | 82 | 67 | 1.224 | 48 | |
| 5 | Grimsby Town | 42 | 17 | 11 | 14 | 78 | 60 | 1.300 | 45 | |
| 6 | Derby County | 42 | 18 | 9 | 15 | 81 | 66 | 1.227 | 45 | |
| 7 | Liverpool | 42 | 19 | 7 | 16 | 85 | 88 | 0.966 | 45 | |
| 8 | Everton | 42 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 89 | 88 | 1.011 | 44 | |
| 9 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 17 | 10 | 15 | 83 | 83 | 1.000 | 44 | |
| 10 | Stoke City | 42 | 18 | 6 | 18 | 71 | 70 | 1.014 | 42 | |
| 11 | Preston North End | 42 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 62 | 67 | 0.925 | 42 | |
| 12 | Chelsea | 42 | 16 | 9 | 17 | 73 | 82 | 0.890 | 41 | |
| 13 | Aston Villa | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 74 | 88 | 0.841 | 41 | |
| 14 | Portsmouth | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 71 | 72 | 0.986 | 40 | |
| 15 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 66 | 78 | 0.846 | 39 | |
| 16 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 76 | 71 | 1.070 | 38 | |
| 17 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 15 | 8 | 19 | 88 | 94 | 0.936 | 38 | |
| 18 | Leeds United | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 75 | 92 | 0.815 | 38 | |
| 19 | Birmingham | 42 | 13 | 10 | 19 | 63 | 81 | 0.778 | 36 | |
| 20 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 70 | 90 | 0.778 | 34 | |
| 21 | Leicester City | 42 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 61 | 86 | 0.709 | 33 | Relegated to the Second Division |
| 22 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 10 | 10 | 22 | 54 | 93 | 0.581 | 30 |
Leeds United 1934-35 Fixtures & Results
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Aug 1934 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | L | 2-4 | League Division One |
| 27 Aug 1934 | Stoke City v Leeds United | L | 8-1 | League Division One |
| 01 Sep 1934 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 03 Sep 1934 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 4-2 | League Division One |
| 08 Sep 1934 | Leeds United v Arsenal | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 15 Sep 1934 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 22 Sep 1934 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 0-3 | League Division One |
| 29 Sep 1934 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 06 Oct 1934 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 6-3 | League Division One |
| 13 Oct 1934 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 20 Oct 1934 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 27 Oct 1934 | Grimsby Town v Leeds United | L | 3-2 | League Division One |
| 03 Nov 1934 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 5-2 | League Division One |
| 10 Nov 1934 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 17 Nov 1934 | Leeds United v Sunderland | L | 2-4 | League Division One |
| 24 Nov 1934 | Leicester City v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 01 Dec 1934 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 4-2 | League Division One |
| 08 Dec 1934 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 15 Dec 1934 | Leeds United v Preston North End | D | 3-3 | League Division One |
| 22 Dec 1934 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 25 Dec 1934 | Leeds United v Manchester City | L | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 26 Dec 1934 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 29 Dec 1934 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | D | 3-3 | League Division One |
| 05 Jan 1935 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | W | 5-1 | League Division One |
| 12 Jan 1935 | Leeds United v Bradford Park Avenue | W | 4-1 | FA Cup |
| 19 Jan 1935 | Arsenal v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 26 Jan 1935 | Norwich City v Leeds United | D | 3-3 | FA Cup |
| 30 Jan 1935 | Leeds United v Norwich City | L | 1-2 | FA Cup |
| 02 Feb 1935 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 4-2 | League Division One |
| 09 Feb 1935 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 20 Feb 1935 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 4-1 | League Division One |
| 23 Feb 1935 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 02 Mar 1935 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | W | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 06 Mar 1935 | Everton v Leeds United | D | 4-4 | League Division One |
| 09 Mar 1935 | Leeds United v Grimsby Town | W | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 16 Mar 1935 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 7-1 | League Division One |
| 23 Mar 1935 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 30 Mar 1935 | Sunderland v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 06 Apr 1935 | Leeds United v Leicester City | L | 0-2 | League Division One |
| 13 Apr 1935 | Derby County v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 19 Apr 1935 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 20 Apr 1935 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 22 Apr 1935 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 27 Apr 1935 | Preston North End v Leeds United | W | 0-2 | League Division One |
| 04 May 1935 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | W | 4-3 | League Division One |
