Introduction to Leeds United’s 1936-37 Season
The 1935-36 season had been a promising one for Leeds United, showcasing their resilience and strength as they secured an 11th-place finish in Division One. However, the 1936-37 season proved to be a challenging year for the club, testing their ability to maintain their status in the top flight. This article explores Leeds United’s performance during the 1936-37 season, highlighting key events, player movements, and their ultimate survival in Division One.
Managerial Changes and Squad Overview
Billy Hampson’s First Full Season
The 1936-37 season marked Billy Hampson’s first full year as the manager of Leeds United. Hampson, who had taken over in March 1935, was tasked with building on the previous season’s successes. Despite the promising start, the team faced significant hurdles throughout the season.
Arthur Hydes: The Top Goalscorer of the 1936-37 Season
During the 1936-37 season, Leeds United’s attacking efforts were significantly bolstered by the prolific performance of Arthur Hydes. As the team’s leading goalscorer, Hydes netted an impressive 11 goals throughout the campaign. His contributions were crucial in a season marked by challenges and uncertainty. Despite the team’s overall struggle, Hydes’ ability to find the back of the net provided a vital boost and played a key role in Leeds United’s survival in Division One. His consistent scoring prowess underscored his importance to the squad and highlighted his value in a year where goals were hard to come by.
Key Squad Details
The squad for the 1936-37 season featured notable players such as Sproston, Mills, McDougall, McInroy, Edwards, and J. Milburn in the back row, with Buckley, Hydes, Armes, Thomson, and Stephenson forming the front row.
Transfer Activity and Squad Adjustments
Departures and Arrivals
During the 1936 close season, Leeds United saw a few departures. The most significant was England international Ernie Hart, who had been a stalwart for the club since 1920 and had set the club’s appearance record. Hart’s departure to Mansfield Town marked the end of an era. Hampson replaced Hart with Barnsley centre-half Tom Holley for £3,750. However, it was Jock McDougall and Bertie Kane who primarily occupied the role throughout the season.
Key Transfers
- Departures: Harry Duggan and George Brown, both aged 33, left Leeds United for Newport County and Darlington, respectively. Additionally, left winger Tom Cochrane moved to Middlesbrough.
- Arrivals: Tom Holley was brought in to strengthen the squad, alongside other adjustments to address the team’s needs.
Season Performance and Challenges
Early Season Struggles
Leeds United’s 1936-37 season began with a challenging 3-2 defeat against Chelsea at Elland Road. The starting lineup for this match consisted of the same eleven players who had been instrumental in the latter part of the previous season. However, the team soon encountered difficulties, particularly in the attacking department.
Mid-Season Adjustments
With the departure of key players and the struggle to find consistent form, Leeds United faced a tough battle to maintain their Division One status. Despite these challenges, the team managed to stay afloat and avoid relegation, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Conclusion: A Season of Survival
The 1936-37 season was marked by difficulties for Leeds United, but their ability to adapt and persevere ensured their continued presence in Division One. Billy Hampson’s management was put to the test, but his efforts and the club’s tenacity helped secure their survival for the following season.
For more information on Leeds United’s historical performances and player updates, stay tuned to our latest articles.
English First Division 1936-37 Season Table
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | Goal Ratio | Points | Qualification or Relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | 42 | 22 | 13 | 7 | 107 | 61 | 1.754 | 57 | |
| 2 | Charlton Athletic | 42 | 21 | 12 | 9 | 58 | 49 | 1.184 | 54 | |
| 3 | Arsenal | 42 | 18 | 16 | 8 | 80 | 49 | 1.633 | 52 | |
| 4 | Derby County | 42 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 96 | 90 | 1.067 | 49 | |
| 5 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 21 | 5 | 16 | 84 | 67 | 1.254 | 47 | |
| 6 | Brentford | 42 | 18 | 10 | 14 | 82 | 78 | 1.051 | 46 | |
| 7 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 19 | 8 | 15 | 74 | 71 | 1.042 | 46 | |
| 8 | Sunderland | 42 | 19 | 6 | 17 | 89 | 87 | 1.023 | 44 | |
| 9 | Portsmouth | 42 | 17 | 10 | 15 | 62 | 66 | 0.939 | 44 | |
| 10 | Stoke City | 42 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 72 | 57 | 1.263 | 42 | |
| 11 | Birmingham | 42 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 64 | 60 | 1.067 | 41 | |
| 12 | Grimsby Town | 42 | 17 | 7 | 18 | 86 | 81 | 1.062 | 41 | |
| 13 | Chelsea | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 52 | 55 | 0.945 | 41 | |
| 14 | Preston North End | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 56 | 67 | 0.836 | 41 | |
| 15 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 62 | 64 | 0.969 | 39 | |
| 16 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 16 | 6 | 20 | 77 | 98 | 0.786 | 38 | |
| 17 | Everton | 42 | 14 | 9 | 19 | 81 | 78 | 1.038 | 37 | |
| 18 | Liverpool | 42 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 62 | 84 | 0.738 | 35 | |
| 19 | Leeds United | 42 | 15 | 4 | 23 | 60 | 80 | 0.750 | 34 | |
| 20 | Bolton Wanderers | 42 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 43 | 66 | 0.652 | 34 | |
| 21 | Manchester United | 42 | 10 | 12 | 20 | 55 | 78 | 0.705 | 32 | Relegated to the Second Division |
| 22 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 53 | 69 | 0.768 | 30 | Relegated to the Second Division |
Leeds United 1936-37 Season Match Results
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 1936 | Leeds United v Chelsea | L | 2-3 | League Division One |
| 02 Sep 1936 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 4-0 | League Division One |
| 05 Sep 1936 | Stoke City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 09 Sep 1936 | Leeds United v Manchester City | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 12 Sep 1936 | Leeds United v Charlton Athletic | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 16 Sep 1936 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 19 Sep 1936 | Grimsby Town v Leeds United | L | 4-1 | League Division One |
| 26 Sep 1936 | Leeds United v Liverpool | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 03 Oct 1936 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 10 Oct 1936 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 17 Oct 1936 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 24 Oct 1936 | Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 31 Oct 1936 | Leeds United v Brentford | W | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 07 Nov 1936 | Arsenal v Leeds United | L | 4-1 | League Division One |
| 14 Nov 1936 | Leeds United v Preston North End | W | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 21 Nov 1936 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 28 Nov 1936 | Leeds United v Manchester United | W | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 05 Dec 1936 | Derby County v Leeds United | L | 5-3 | League Division One |
| 19 Dec 1936 | Sunderland v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 25 Dec 1936 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 5-0 | League Division One |
| 26 Dec 1936 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 28 Dec 1936 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | L | 4-2 | League Division One |
| 02 Jan 1937 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 09 Jan 1937 | Charlton Athletic v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 16 Jan 1937 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 4-0 | FA Cup |
| 23 Jan 1937 | Leeds United v Grimsby Town | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 30 Jan 1937 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 06 Feb 1937 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | W | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 13 Feb 1937 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | L | 0-2 | League Division One |
| 27 Feb 1937 | Leeds United v Bolton Wanderers | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 03 Mar 1937 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 7-1 | League Division One |
| 06 Mar 1937 | Brentford v Leeds United | L | 4-1 | League Division One |
| 13 Mar 1937 | Leeds United v Arsenal | L | 3-4 | League Division One |
| 20 Mar 1937 | Preston North End v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 27 Mar 1937 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 29 Mar 1937 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 30 Mar 1937 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 3-1 | League Division One |
| 03 Apr 1937 | Manchester United v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 10 Apr 1937 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 17 Apr 1937 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 21 Apr 1937 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | L | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 24 Apr 1937 | Leeds United v Sunderland | W | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 01 May 1937 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | W | 3-1 | League Division One |
