The 1935-36 season marked a period of significant transition for Leeds United. Under the guidance of new manager Billy Hampson, the team finished in 11th position in the League Division One, with 41 points and a total of 66 goals scored. This article explores the key events and changes that defined Leeds United’s season and the strategic moves that set the stage for future success.
Billy Hampson’s Arrival: A Fresh Start for Leeds United
In March 1935, Leeds United appointed Billy Hampson as their new manager. Hampson, previously with Carlisle and Non-League Ashington, took over during a critical period when the club was battling relegation. Despite his inexperience in top-flight management, Hampson’s extensive football background and strategic acumen were evident as he navigated the team through a challenging end-of-season period.
Significant Player Turnover: The Summer of Change
The summer of 1935 saw a major overhaul of the squad, reflecting Hampson’s desire to reshape the team. Several players departed, including forwards Harry Roper, Bert Worsley, Joe Firth, and Johnny Mahon. Goalkeepers John Daniels and Stan Moore, along with reserve centre-half Charlie Turner, also left the club.
Key New Signings: Strengthening the Squad
Hampson’s strategic recruitment brought in new talent, with a focus on both seasoned professionals and promising newcomers:
- Albert McInroy: A 34-year-old goalkeeper with a distinguished career, McInroy had previously played for Newcastle and Sunderland. His experience and leadership were crucial in stabilizing the team’s defense.
- George Brown: A former England international and prolific scorer, Brown was a significant addition to the forward line. At 32, he brought a wealth of experience and an impressive track record, including 142 League goals from his time at Huddersfield Town.
Other new arrivals included centre halves Bob Kane and Dominic Kelly, and forward Jimmy Carr, who were recruited mainly from the lower leagues.
George Brown: Leeds United’s Top Scorer
George Brown emerged as the standout performer for Leeds United during the 1935-36 season. With 20 goals, Brown was instrumental in the team’s attacking prowess. His addition proved to be a game-changer, providing both experience and a consistent goal-scoring ability that Leeds United needed.
Season Performance: A Mid-Table Finish
Leeds United’s overall performance was solid, with the team finishing in 11th place. The club scored 66 goals throughout the season, reflecting an improved attacking capability. Despite struggling against teams in the relegation zone in the latter part of the season, Leeds United managed to secure a comfortable mid-table finish, avoiding the threat of relegation and setting a foundation for future success.
Conclusion: A Season of Transition and Promise
The 1935-36 season was a pivotal year for Leeds United. Under Billy Hampson’s management, the club successfully navigated a period of change and uncertainty. The significant player turnover and strategic acquisitions, including the addition of George Brown, demonstrated a clear intent to strengthen the squad. While the team finished mid-table, the foundations laid during this season set the stage for future achievements and stability for Leeds United.
This review of Leeds United’s 1935-36 season highlights the key moments and strategic decisions that defined a transformative period for the club. With a blend of experienced professionals and new talent, Leeds United began to build a more competitive team that would aim for greater success in the seasons to come.
English First Division Standings: 1935-36 Season
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GAv | Pts | Relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunderland (C) | 42 | 25 | 6 | 11 | 109 | 74 | 1.473 | 56 | |
| 2 | Derby County | 42 | 18 | 12 | 12 | 61 | 52 | 1.173 | 48 | |
| 3 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 18 | 12 | 12 | 59 | 56 | 1.054 | 48 | |
| 4 | Stoke City | 42 | 20 | 7 | 15 | 57 | 57 | 1.000 | 47 | |
| 5 | Brentford | 42 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 81 | 60 | 1.350 | 46 | |
| 6 | Arsenal | 42 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 78 | 48 | 1.625 | 45 | |
| 7 | Preston North End | 42 | 18 | 8 | 16 | 67 | 64 | 1.047 | 44 | |
| 8 | Chelsea | 42 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 65 | 72 | 0.903 | 43 | |
| 9 | Manchester City | 42 | 17 | 8 | 17 | 68 | 60 | 1.133 | 42 | |
| 10 | Portsmouth | 42 | 17 | 8 | 17 | 54 | 67 | 0.806 | 42 | |
| 11 | Leeds United | 42 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 66 | 64 | 1.031 | 41 | |
| 12 | Birmingham | 42 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 61 | 63 | 0.968 | 41 | |
| 13 | Bolton Wanderers | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 67 | 76 | 0.882 | 41 | |
| 14 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 84 | 70 | 1.200 | 40 | |
| 15 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 77 | 76 | 1.013 | 40 | |
| 16 | Everton | 42 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 89 | 89 | 1.000 | 39 | |
| 17 | Grimsby Town | 42 | 17 | 5 | 20 | 65 | 73 | 0.890 | 39 | |
| 18 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 16 | 6 | 20 | 89 | 88 | 1.011 | 38 | |
| 19 | Liverpool | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 60 | 64 | 0.938 | 38 | |
| 20 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 63 | 77 | 0.818 | 38 | |
| 21 | Aston Villa (R) | 42 | 13 | 9 | 20 | 81 | 110 | 0.736 | 35 | Relegation to the Second Division |
Leeds United Results for the 1935-36 Season
This table provides a detailed overview of Leeds United’s matches during the 1935-36 season, covering all competitions including the League Division One and the FA Cup.
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Aug 1935 | Stoke City v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 04 Sep 1935 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 07 Sep 1935 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | L | 1-4 | League Division One |
| 11 Sep 1935 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | L | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 14 Sep 1935 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 18 Sep 1935 | Leeds United v Arsenal | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 21 Sep 1935 | Leeds United v Liverpool | W | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 28 Sep 1935 | Grimsby Town v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 05 Oct 1935 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 12 Oct 1935 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 19 Oct 1935 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 26 Oct 1935 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | W | 4-2 | League Division One |
| 02 Nov 1935 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 09 Nov 1935 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | W | 7-2 | League Division One |
| 16 Nov 1935 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 23 Nov 1935 | Leeds United v Bolton Wanderers | W | 5-2 | League Division One |
| 30 Nov 1935 | Brentford v Leeds United | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 07 Dec 1935 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 14 Dec 1935 | Everton v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 21 Dec 1935 | Leeds United v Preston North End | L | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 26 Dec 1935 | Sunderland v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 28 Dec 1935 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 4-1 | League Division One |
| 04 Jan 1936 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | W | 0-3 | League Division One |
| 11 Jan 1936 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | FA Cup |
| 15 Jan 1936 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 3-1 | FA Cup |
| 18 Jan 1936 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 29 Jan 1936 | Leeds United v Bury | W | 3-2 | FA Cup |
| 01 Feb 1936 | Leeds United v Grimsby Town | L | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 08 Feb 1936 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 15 Feb 1936 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | FA Cup |
| 19 Feb 1936 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 3-2 | League Division One |
| 22 Feb 1936 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | L | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 29 Feb 1936 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 07 Mar 1936 | Leeds United v Brentford | L | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 14 Mar 1936 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | D | 3-3 | League Division One |
| 18 Mar 1936 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 21 Mar 1936 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | W | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 28 Mar 1936 | Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 04 Apr 1936 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 10 Apr 1936 | Manchester City v Leeds United | W | 1-3 | League Division One |
| 11 Apr 1936 | Derby County v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 13 Apr 1936 | Leeds United v Manchester City | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 18 Apr 1936 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 22 Apr 1936 | Leeds United v Sunderland | W | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 25 Apr 1936 | Preston North End v Leeds United | L | 5-0 | League Division One |
| 02 May 1936 | Arsenal v Leeds United | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
