The 1955-56 season marked a significant turning point for Leeds United, showcasing their resilience and ambition as they pursued promotion to Division One. After a decade of near misses and heartache, Leeds United’s fortunes began to change, largely due to the brilliant performances of key players and strategic decisions made by their management.
A Promising Summer and Key Additions
The summer of 1955 was a period of reflection and anticipation for Leeds United. Manager Raich Carter, who had guided the team to a commendable fourth place in the previous season, made minimal changes to his squad. The only notable departure was inside forward Ray Iggleden, who transferred to Exeter City. Iggleden, despite his prolific scoring record, had seen limited action in the previous season due to the influx of new talent. His departure was a strategic move to balance the team and future-proof the squad.
One of the most significant developments was the return of Glaswegian winger George Meek from National Service. Meek’s return, along with the emergence of young centre-half Jack Charlton, added depth and versatility to the squad. Charlton, although inexperienced, quickly adapted to the senior team, allowing manager Carter to move John Charles back to his preferred attacking role. This shift was crucial, as Charles was a formidable presence both in defense and up front.
A Rock-Solid Defense
Leeds United’s defensive stability was a cornerstone of their successful season. The defensive lineup, which had become resolute towards the end of the 1954-55 season, continued to perform admirably. Goalkeeper Roy Wood, full-backs Jimmy Dunn and Grenville Hair, and the half-back line of Archie Gibson, John Charles, and Eric Kerfoot formed a dependable defensive unit.
- Roy Wood: A reliable goalkeeper whose performance had been integral to the team’s stability.
- Jimmy Dunn: An experienced full-back, missing only 11 games in six seasons.
- Grenville Hair: A consistent presence in defense, having played 151 out of the last 156 matches.
- Eric Kerfoot: A stalwart half-back with a record of 154 appearances out of 164.
- John Charles: Although initially utilized in defense, his return to attack was eagerly anticipated.
Archie Gibson, a new addition, filled the void left by long-time captain Tommy Burden. Gibson’s ability to pass effectively and his hardworking nature earned him praise from teammates, including John Charles, who believed Gibson deserved international recognition.
A Potent Attack
Leeds United’s attacking prowess was another key factor in their successful season. The attacking lineup, unchanged from the final games of the previous season, was a well-oiled machine.
- Harold Williams: An essential forward, contributing to the team’s attacking strength.
- Albert Nightingale: A dynamic player who complemented the forward line.
- Harold Brook: A prolific scorer who played a crucial role in Leeds’ offensive strategy.
- Jock Henderson: An important attacking presence.
- George Meek: His return added fresh energy to the attack.
The attacking unit, including a young Jack Charlton in the No. 5 shirt, was instrumental in maintaining a high scoring rate throughout the season. The consistency and form of this front line were critical to Leeds’ push for promotion.
John Charles: The Star of the Season
John Charles emerged as the standout player of the season. Scoring 29 goals, Charles was instrumental in Leeds United’s campaign. His versatility allowed him to play both as a defender and an attacker, but his performance in the forward role was particularly notable. Charles’s scoring ability and his physical presence made him one of the most formidable players in Division Two.
A Season of Hope
The 1955-56 season was a testament to Leeds United’s resilience and determination. After years of striving for promotion, the team’s solid defensive setup, potent attack, and the remarkable performance of John Charles brought new hope to the club. Leeds United’s strong showing in this season set the stage for future successes and solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in English football.
In summary, Leeds United’s 1955-56 season was marked by stability in key positions, a potent attacking force, and exceptional individual performances. With John Charles leading the charge, the team was well-positioned to capitalize on their hard work and dedication, making this season a pivotal chapter in the club’s history.
Standings 1955-56 Season of Division Two, English Football
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 101 | 62 | 1.629 | 55 |
| 2 | Leeds United | 42 | 23 | 6 | 13 | 80 | 60 | 1.333 | 52 |
| 3 | Liverpool | 42 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 85 | 63 | 1.349 | 48 |
| 4 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 84 | 65 | 1.292 | 48 |
| 5 | Leicester City | 42 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 94 | 78 | 1.205 | 48 |
| 6 | Bristol Rovers | 42 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 84 | 70 | 1.200 | 48 |
| 7 | Nottingham Forest | 42 | 19 | 9 | 14 | 68 | 63 | 1.079 | 47 |
| 8 | Lincoln City | 42 | 18 | 10 | 14 | 79 | 65 | 1.215 | 46 |
| 9 | Fulham | 42 | 20 | 6 | 16 | 89 | 79 | 1.127 | 46 |
| 10 | Swansea Town | 42 | 20 | 6 | 16 | 83 | 81 | 1.025 | 46 |
| 11 | Bristol City | 42 | 19 | 7 | 16 | 80 | 64 | 1.250 | 45 |
| 12 | Port Vale | 42 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 60 | 58 | 1.034 | 45 |
| 13 | Stoke City | 42 | 20 | 4 | 18 | 71 | 62 | 1.145 | 44 |
| 14 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 16 | 8 | 18 | 76 | 78 | 0.974 | 40 |
| 15 | Bury | 42 | 16 | 8 | 18 | 86 | 90 | 0.956 | 40 |
| 16 | West Ham United | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 74 | 69 | 1.072 | 39 |
| 17 | Doncaster Rovers | 42 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 69 | 96 | 0.719 | 35 |
| 18 | Barnsley | 42 | 11 | 12 | 19 | 47 | 84 | 0.560 | 34 |
| 19 | Rotherham United | 42 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 56 | 75 | 0.747 | 33 |
| 20 | Notts County | 42 | 11 | 9 | 22 | 55 | 82 | 0.671 | 31 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 42 | 10 | 8 | 24 | 54 | 87 | 0.621 | 28 |
| 22 | Hull City | 42 | 10 | 6 | 26 | 53 | 97 | 0.546 | 26 |
Leeds United Results and Fixtures 1955-56
| Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Aug 1955 | Barnsley v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| 22 Aug 1955 | Leeds United v Bury | W | 1-0 |
| 27 Aug 1955 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 2-0 |
| 30 Aug 1955 | Bury v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| 03 Sep 1955 | Bristol City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| 05 Sep 1955 | Leeds United v Hull City | W | 1-0 |
| 10 Sep 1955 | Leeds United v West Ham United | D | 3-3 |
| 17 Sep 1955 | Port Vale v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| 24 Sep 1955 | Leeds United v Rotherham United | W | 4-1 |
| 01 Oct 1955 | Swansea Town v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| 08 Oct 1955 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | W | 3-0 |
| 15 Oct 1955 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | L | 4-0 |
| 22 Oct 1955 | Leeds United v Lincoln City | W | 1-0 |
| 29 Oct 1955 | Bristol Rovers v Leeds United | L | 4-1 |
| 05 Nov 1955 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 1-0 |
| 12 Nov 1955 | Plymouth Argyle v Leeds United | L | 4-3 |
| 19 Nov 1955 | Leeds United v Liverpool | W | 4-2 |
| 26 Nov 1955 | Leicester City v Leeds United | L | 5-2 |
| 03 Dec 1955 | Leeds United v Doncaster Rovers | W | 3-0 |
| 10 Dec 1955 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | W | 2-3 |
| 17 Dec 1955 | Leeds United v Barnsley | W | 3-1 |
| 24 Dec 1955 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | L | 5-3 |
| 26 Dec 1955 | Leeds United v Notts County | W | 1-0 |
| 27 Dec 1955 | Notts County v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| 31 Dec 1955 | Leeds United v Bristol City | W | 2-1 |
| 07 Jan 1956 | Leeds United v Cardiff City | L | 1-2 |
| 14 Jan 1956 | West Ham United v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| 21 Jan 1956 | Leeds United v Port Vale | D | 1-1 |
| 11 Feb 1956 | Leeds United v Swansea Town | D | 2-2 |
| 25 Feb 1956 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | W | 2-1 |
| 29 Feb 1956 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| 03 Mar 1956 | Lincoln City v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| 10 Mar 1956 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | L | 1-2 |
| 17 Mar 1956 | Stoke City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| 24 Mar 1956 | Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle | W | 4-2 |
| 30 Mar 1956 | Fulham v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| 31 Mar 1956 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| 02 Apr 1956 | Leeds United v Fulham | W | 6-1 |
| 07 Apr 1956 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 4-0 |
| 14 Apr 1956 | Doncaster Rovers v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| 21 Apr 1956 | Leeds United v Bristol Rovers | W | 2-1 |
| 23 Apr 1956 | Rotherham United v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| 28 Apr 1956 | Hull City v Leeds United | W | 1-4 |
