Overview of a Challenging Season
The 1961-62 season was one of the most difficult for Leeds United in recent years. After a disappointing finish the previous season, Leeds found themselves struggling once more in the Second Division, ultimately finishing in 19th place. This period was marked by a lack of consistency and a squad grappling with both on-field and off-field challenges.
Key Players
Despite the team’s overall struggles, there were standout performances from key individuals. Billy Bremner, at just 18 years old, showed glimpses of his explosive talent, scoring 12 goals over the course of the season. Similarly, Jack Charlton, known for his robust style of play, also contributed with 12 goals. Both players were pivotal in a season that saw Leeds United struggle for form.
The Squad
The squad was a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. John McCole, a reliable goalscorer, and the South African winger Albert Johanneson began to make their mark. Grenville Hair, an ageing full-back with a rich history of near England caps, still displayed moments of his former brilliance. However, the team lacked the cohesion and quality seen in previous years.
Management Changes and the Revie Era
A significant development was the appointment of Don Revie as manager in March 1961. Revie, a former England inside-forward and Footballer of the Year, was a managerial novice but brought a thoughtful and innovative approach to the role. His vision for Leeds United involved instilling a consistent style across all levels of the club, inspired by his mentor Matt Busby, the then-manager of Manchester United.
Revie’s early steps included seeking advice from Busby, who advocated for a unified playing style and the importance of nurturing homegrown talent. Despite this support, Revie faced challenges, including attempts by Busby to lure Jack Charlton to Manchester United. Charlton’s turbulent relationship with the club and his rebellious nature did not endear him to Revie, who was candid about his struggles with Charlton’s discipline and approach.
Challenges and Changes
Charlton’s volatile nature and disregard for tactics created friction within the squad. Revie’s frustration with Charlton was evident, and the manager’s candid comments about Charlton’s influence reflected the broader issues facing the team. Revie’s approach was focused on discipline and unity, crucial for overcoming the club’s ongoing struggles.
Conclusion
The 1961-62 season was a period of transition and challenge for Leeds United. With a blend of emerging talents and experienced players, and under the new management of Don Revie, the club aimed to navigate through a difficult period. Despite the obstacles, the season set the stage for future improvements as Revie began to implement his vision for the club.
Second Division 1961-62 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 42 | 27 | 8 | 7 | 99 | 43 | 2.302 | 62 |
| 2 | Leyton Orient | 42 | 22 | 10 | 10 | 69 | 40 | 1.725 | 54 |
| 3 | Sunderland | 42 | 22 | 9 | 11 | 85 | 50 | 1.700 | 53 |
| 4 | Scunthorpe United | 42 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 86 | 71 | 1.211 | 49 |
| 5 | Plymouth Argyle | 42 | 19 | 8 | 15 | 75 | 75 | 1.000 | 46 |
| 6 | Southampton | 42 | 18 | 9 | 15 | 77 | 62 | 1.242 | 45 |
| 7 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 67 | 59 | 1.136 | 44 |
| 8 | Stoke City | 42 | 17 | 8 | 17 | 55 | 57 | 0.965 | 42 |
| 9 | Rotherham United | 42 | 16 | 9 | 17 | 70 | 76 | 0.921 | 41 |
| 10 | Preston North End | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 55 | 57 | 0.965 | 40 |
| 11 | Newcastle United | 42 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 64 | 58 | 1.103 | 39 |
| 12 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 16 | 7 | 19 | 76 | 72 | 1.056 | 39 |
| 13 | Luton Town | 42 | 17 | 5 | 20 | 69 | 71 | 0.972 | 39 |
| 14 | Walsall | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 70 | 75 | 0.933 | 39 |
| 15 | Charlton Athletic | 42 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 69 | 75 | 0.920 | 39 |
| 16 | Derby County | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 68 | 75 | 0.907 | 39 |
| 17 | Norwich City | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 61 | 70 | 0.871 | 39 |
| 18 | Bury | 42 | 17 | 5 | 20 | 52 | 76 | 0.684 | 39 |
| 19 | Leeds United | 42 | 12 | 12 | 18 | 50 | 61 | 0.820 | 36 |
| 20 | Swansea Town | 42 | 12 | 12 | 18 | 61 | 83 | 0.735 | 36 |
| 21 | Bristol Rovers | 42 | 13 | 7 | 22 | 53 | 81 | 0.654 | 33 |
| 22 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 42 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 42 | 86 | 0.488 | 31 |
Leeds United 1961-62 Fixtures and Results
| Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Aug 1961 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 1-2 |
| 26 Aug 1961 | Leeds United v Cardiff City | D | 1-1 |
| 02 Sep 1961 | Preston North End v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| 09 Sep 1961 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | D | 2-2 |
| 16 Sep 1961 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | L | 1-4 |
| 23 Sep 1961 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| 30 Sep 1961 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 2-1 |
| 07 Oct 1961 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 1-2 |
| 14 Oct 1961 | Leeds United v Burnley | D | 1-1 |
| 21 Oct 1961 | Leeds United v Sunderland | D | 1-1 |
| 28 Oct 1961 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | W | 3-1 |
| 04 Nov 1961 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 |
| 11 Nov 1961 | Blackpool v Leeds United | L | 0-2 |
| 18 Nov 1961 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 2-1 |
| 25 Nov 1961 | Arsenal v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| 02 Dec 1961 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | D | 0-0 |
| 09 Dec 1961 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 2-3 |
| 16 Dec 1961 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | W | 2-0 |
| 23 Dec 1961 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | D | 1-1 |
| 26 Dec 1961 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 0-1 |
| 30 Dec 1961 | Leeds United v Fulham | D | 1-1 |
| 01 Jan 1962 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 2-0 |
| 06 Jan 1962 | Leeds United v Hull City | W | 2-0 |
| 13 Jan 1962 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | L | 0-2 |
| 20 Jan 1962 | Manchester United v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| 27 Jan 1962 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | D | 1-1 |
| 03 Feb 1962 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 1-3 |
| 10 Feb 1962 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| 17 Feb 1962 | Leeds United v Arsenal | W | 3-2 |
| 24 Feb 1962 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | L | 2-3 |
| 03 Mar 1962 | Leeds United v Burnley | D | 0-0 |
| 10 Mar 1962 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | L | 1-2 |
| 17 Mar 1962 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 3-1 |
| 24 Mar 1962 | Fulham v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| 31 Mar 1962 | Leeds United v Chelsea | L | 0-2 |
| 07 Apr 1962 | Hull City v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| 14 Apr 1962 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 2-0 |
| 21 Apr 1962 | Leeds United v Manchester City | L | 1-3 |
| 28 Apr 1962 | Leicester City v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
