The 1963-64 season stands out as one of Leeds United’s finest in a decade, Champions, marking a period of resurgence and remarkable achievement. Under the guidance of Don Revie, the club clinched the Division Two title, showcasing a blend of youthful exuberance and strategic brilliance.
Revie’s Vision Realized
When Don Revie took charge of Leeds United in March 1961, he forecasted a five-year journey to transform the club into a formidable force. By the spring of 1963, Revie’s ambitious plans were already bearing fruit. His bold decision to invest in youth paid off as the team began to challenge the best in Division Two, narrowly missing out on promotion that year. However, the following season, the squad, fortified by experience and youthful flair, fully realized Revie’s vision.
A Season of Brilliance
The 1963-64 season was a testament to Leeds United’s revitalization. The team not only won the Division Two title but did so with style and determination. Key to their success were top scorers Albert Johanneson and Ian Lawson, each netting 15 goals, demonstrating the attacking prowess that fueled Leeds’ campaign.
The Young Guns
Revie’s strategy of integrating young talent was pivotal. The team boasted several standout young players: Billy Bremner, Paul Reaney, Gary Sprake, and Norman Hunter, all of whom were regulars at 20 years old or younger. Other promising talents included Rod Johnson, Peter Lorimer, Barrie Wright, and Jimmy Greenhoff, with Terry Cooper and Paul Madeley soon to make their mark. Despite being the elder statesman, Bobby Collins, at 32, played a crucial role in stabilizing the midfield, while the likes of Jim Storrie, Jack Charlton, Don Weston, Tommy Henderson, Willie Bell, and Albert Johanneson provided a solid foundation.
Les Cocker’s Influence
Les Cocker’s rigorous training regimes were instrumental in preparing the squad for the demands of the season. His focus on fitness ensured that the team remained competitive, even when the winter weather rendered football nearly impossible. Post-thaw, Leeds United surged back into form, dispatching opponents with confidence and vigor.
Bremner’s Breakthrough
Billy Bremner’s development into a key player was one of the season’s highlights. Initially struggling with homesickness and a desire to play in midfield, Bremner’s persistence and Revie’s eventual decision to use him as a right-half proved transformative. His performance in this role was a revelation, complementing the established midfielders and adding a dynamic edge to the team’s play.
The Season’s Challenges and Triumphs
The season kicked off with a slight delay due to scheduling conflicts with Northampton Town’s cricket fixtures, but Leeds United quickly found their rhythm. Middlesbrough, managed by former Leeds boss Raich Carter, set the tone for a competitive season with early victories, signaling that promotion would not be easily secured. Despite these challenges, Leeds United’s consistent performance and strategic approach led them to the top of the table.
Looking Ahead
The 1963-64 season was not just about winning the Division Two title; it was a statement of intent. Leeds United had reestablished themselves as a powerhouse in English football. The blend of seasoned professionals and emerging young stars set the stage for future successes, as the team prepared to take on the challenges of the First Division.
The season remains a memorable chapter in Leeds United’s history, showcasing the effective leadership of Don Revie, the strategic acumen of his staff, and the sheer talent of a squad that blended youth and experience to achieve great success.
Standings 1963-64 Leeds United Champion
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leeds United | 42 | 24 | 15 | 3 | 71 | 34 | 2.088 | 63 |
| 2 | Sunderland | 42 | 25 | 11 | 6 | 81 | 37 | 2.189 | 61 |
| 3 | Preston North End | 42 | 23 | 10 | 9 | 79 | 54 | 1.463 | 56 |
| 4 | Charlton Athletic | 42 | 19 | 10 | 13 | 76 | 70 | 1.086 | 48 |
| 5 | Southampton | 42 | 19 | 9 | 14 | 100 | 73 | 1.370 | 47 |
| 6 | Manchester City | 42 | 18 | 10 | 14 | 84 | 66 | 1.273 | 46 |
| 7 | Rotherham United | 42 | 19 | 7 | 16 | 90 | 78 | 1.154 | 45 |
| 8 | Newcastle United | 42 | 20 | 5 | 17 | 74 | 69 | 1.072 | 45 |
| 9 | Portsmouth | 42 | 16 | 11 | 15 | 79 | 70 | 1.129 | 43 |
| 10 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 67 | 52 | 1.288 | 41 |
| 11 | Northampton Town | 42 | 16 | 9 | 17 | 58 | 60 | 0.967 | 41 |
| 12 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 57 | 64 | 0.891 | 40 |
| 13 | Derby County | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 56 | 67 | 0.836 | 39 |
| 14 | Swindon Town | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 57 | 69 | 0.826 | 38 |
| 15 | Cardiff City | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 56 | 81 | 0.691 | 38 |
| 16 | Leyton Orient | 42 | 13 | 10 | 19 | 54 | 72 | 0.750 | 36 |
| 17 | Norwich City | 42 | 11 | 13 | 18 | 64 | 80 | 0.800 | 35 |
| 18 | Bury | 42 | 13 | 9 | 20 | 57 | 73 | 0.781 | 35 |
| 19 | Swansea Town | 42 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 63 | 74 | 0.851 | 33 |
| 20 | Plymouth Argyle | 42 | 8 | 16 | 18 | 45 | 67 | 0.672 | 32 |
| 21 | Grimsby Town | 42 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 47 | 75 | 0.627 | 32 |
| 22 | Scunthorpe United | 42 | 10 | 10 | 22 | 52 | 82 | 0.634 | 30 |
Leeds United 1963-64 Fixtures and Results
| Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Aug 1963 | Leeds United v Rotherham United | W | 1-0 |
| 31 Aug 1963 | Leeds United v Bury | W | 3-0 |
| 03 Sep 1963 | Rotherham United v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| 07 Sep 1963 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| 11 Sep 1963 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | W | 3-1 |
| 14 Sep 1963 | Leeds United v Swindon Town | D | 0-0 |
| 18 Sep 1963 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| 21 Sep 1963 | Cardiff City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| 25 Sep 1963 | Leeds United v Mansfield Town | W | 5-1 |
| 28 Sep 1963 | Leeds United v Norwich City | W | 4-2 |
| 01 Oct 1963 | Northampton Town v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| 05 Oct 1963 | Scunthorpe United v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| 09 Oct 1963 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 2-0 |
| 12 Oct 1963 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| 19 Oct 1963 | Leeds United v Derby County | D | 2-2 |
| 22 Oct 1963 | Leeds United v Swansea Town | W | 2-0 |
| 26 Oct 1963 | Southampton v Leeds United | W | 1-4 |
| 02 Nov 1963 | Leeds United v Charlton Athletic | D | 1-1 |
| 09 Nov 1963 | Grimsby Town v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| 16 Nov 1963 | Leeds United v Preston North End | D | 1-1 |
| 23 Nov 1963 | Leyton Orient v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| 27 Nov 1963 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| 30 Nov 1963 | Leeds United v Swansea Town | W | 2-1 |
| 07 Dec 1963 | Plymouth Argyle v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| 14 Dec 1963 | Leeds United v Northampton Town | D | 0-0 |
| 21 Dec 1963 | Bury v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| 26 Dec 1963 | Leeds United v Sunderland | D | 1-1 |
| 28 Dec 1963 | Sunderland v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| 04 Jan 1964 | Cardiff City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| 11 Jan 1964 | Leeds United v Manchester City | W | 1-0 |
| 18 Jan 1964 | Swindon Town v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| 25 Jan 1964 | Leeds United v Everton | D | 1-1 |
| 28 Jan 1964 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| 01 Feb 1964 | Leeds United v Cardiff City | D | 1-1 |
| 08 Feb 1964 | Norwich City v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| 15 Feb 1964 | Leeds United v Scunthorpe United | W | 1-0 |
| 22 Feb 1964 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | D | 1-1 |
| 03 Mar 1964 | Preston North End v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| 07 Mar 1964 | Leeds United v Southampton | W | 3-1 |
| 14 Mar 1964 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | W | 1-3 |
| 21 Mar 1964 | Leeds United v Grimsby Town | W | 3-1 |
| 27 Mar 1964 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| 28 Mar 1964 | Derby County v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| 30 Mar 1964 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 2-1 |
| 04 Apr 1964 | Leeds United v Leyton Orient | W | 2-1 |
| 11 Apr 1964 | Swansea Town v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| 18 Apr 1964 | Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle | D | 1-1 |
| 25 Apr 1964 | Charlton Athletic v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
