Introduction
The 1964-65 season marked one of the most significant periods in Leeds United’s history. Under the guidance of Don Revie, the club achieved their best-ever league finish, securing second place in the First Division. This remarkable performance came after their successful promotion from the Second Division, and it set the stage for Leeds United’s future prominence in English football.
A Historic Finish in Division One
In the 1964-65 season, Leeds United made a strong impact in the First Division, finishing as runners-up. This was their highest-ever league position to date. The team’s impressive performance was characterized by a blend of tactical discipline, aggressive play, and a solid defense. This remarkable achievement demonstrated the team’s ability to compete at the highest level of English football.
Key Players and Top Scorers
Jim Storrie emerged as Leeds United’s top scorer of the season, netting 19 goals. His contributions were pivotal in Leeds United’s successful campaign, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s attacking prowess. Alongside Storrie, other notable players included Johnny Giles, Alan Peacock, and the ever-reliable Billy Bremner, who all played significant roles in the team’s success.
Revie’s Tactical Mastery
Don Revie, who took charge of Leeds United in 1961, was instrumental in transforming the club’s fortunes. Known for his pragmatic and aggressive approach, Revie built a team renowned for its high tempo and relentless drive. His strategic vision was crucial in Leeds United’s rise from the brink of relegation to becoming a formidable force in the First Division.
Revie’s decision to invest £25,000 in Scottish international Bobby Collins proved to be a masterstroke. Collins brought leadership, tenacity, and a winning mentality to the squad, which was essential for Leeds United’s survival in the Second Division and subsequent success.
The Revie Revolution: Key Players and Contributions
Revie’s squad included a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents. Veterans like Jack Charlton and Billy Bremner provided the experience, while younger players such as Gary Sprake, Paul Reaney, and Norman Hunter added fresh energy and skill. The signing of Irish winger Johnny Giles and former England World Cup player Alan Peacock further strengthened the squad and contributed to the team’s success.
Pre-Season Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the team’s success, the pre-season was not without its challenges. Alan Peacock’s knee injury and Billy Bremner’s legal troubles were notable setbacks. Additionally, Leeds United faced criticism from the Football Association for their disciplinary record, which Revie vehemently defended, emphasizing that his players were “hard but fair.”
Conclusion
The 1964-65 season was a defining moment for Leeds United, setting a new standard for the club and laying the groundwork for future successes. With a solid finish in the First Division, a standout top scorer in Jim Storrie, and the tactical brilliance of Don Revie, Leeds United demonstrated their capability to compete among the elite in English football.
This season not only marked a significant achievement in Leeds United’s history but also showcased the transformative impact of Don Revie’s management, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest managers in English football.
Standings 1964-65 First Division
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester United | 42 | 26 | 9 | 7 | 89 | 39 | 2.282 | 61 |
| 2 | Leeds United | 42 | 26 | 9 | 7 | 83 | 52 | 1.596 | 61 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 42 | 24 | 8 | 10 | 89 | 54 | 1.648 | 56 |
| 4 | Everton | 42 | 17 | 15 | 10 | 69 | 60 | 1.150 | 49 |
| 5 | Nottingham Forest | 42 | 17 | 13 | 12 | 71 | 67 | 1.060 | 47 |
| 6 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 19 | 7 | 16 | 87 | 71 | 1.225 | 45 |
| 7 | Liverpool | 42 | 17 | 10 | 15 | 67 | 73 | 0.918 | 44 |
| 8 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 16 | 11 | 15 | 57 | 55 | 1.036 | 43 |
| 9 | West Ham United | 42 | 19 | 4 | 19 | 82 | 71 | 1.155 | 42 |
| 10 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 83 | 79 | 1.051 | 42 |
| 11 | Stoke City | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 67 | 66 | 1.015 | 42 |
| 12 | Burnley | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 70 | 70 | 1.000 | 42 |
| 13 | Arsenal | 42 | 17 | 7 | 18 | 69 | 75 | 0.920 | 41 |
| 14 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 70 | 65 | 1.077 | 39 |
| 15 | Sunderland | 42 | 14 | 9 | 19 | 64 | 74 | 0.865 | 37 |
| 16 | Aston Villa | 42 | 16 | 5 | 21 | 57 | 82 | 0.695 | 37 |
| 17 | Blackpool | 42 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 67 | 78 | 0.859 | 35 |
| 18 | Leicester City | 42 | 11 | 13 | 18 | 69 | 85 | 0.812 | 35 |
| 19 | Sheffield United | 42 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 50 | 64 | 0.781 | 35 |
| 20 | Fulham | 42 | 11 | 12 | 19 | 60 | 78 | 0.769 | 34 |
| 21 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 13 | 4 | 25 | 59 | 89 | 0.663 | 30 |
| 22 | Birmingham City | 42 | 8 | 11 | 23 | 64 | 96 | 0.667 | 27 |
Leeds United Fixtures and Results 1964-65
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division One | 22 Aug 1964 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 26 Aug 1964 | Leeds United v Liverpool | W | 4-2 |
| League Division One | 29 Aug 1964 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 3-2 |
| League Division One | 02 Sep 1964 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 05 Sep 1964 | Sunderland v Leeds United | D | 3-3 |
| League Division One | 07 Sep 1964 | Blackpool v Leeds United | L | 4-0 |
| League Division One | 12 Sep 1964 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 3-2 |
| League Division One | 16 Sep 1964 | Leeds United v Blackpool | W | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 19 Sep 1964 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Cup | 23 Sep 1964 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | W | 3-2 |
| League Division One | 26 Sep 1964 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | L | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 30 Sep 1964 | Leeds United v Fulham | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 10 Oct 1964 | Stoke City v Leeds United | W | 2-3 |
| League Cup | 14 Oct 1964 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | L | 2-3 |
| League Division One | 17 Oct 1964 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 24 Oct 1964 | Burnley v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 31 Oct 1964 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | W | 4-1 |
| League Division One | 07 Nov 1964 | Everton v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 11 Nov 1964 | Leeds United v Arsenal | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 14 Nov 1964 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | W | 4-1 |
| League Division One | 21 Nov 1964 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 28 Nov 1964 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 05 Dec 1964 | Manchester United v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 12 Dec 1964 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 19 Dec 1964 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 26 Dec 1964 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 28 Dec 1964 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 02 Jan 1965 | Leeds United v Sunderland | W | 2-1 |
| FA Cup | 09 Jan 1965 | Leeds United v Southport | W | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 16 Jan 1965 | Leicester City v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 23 Jan 1965 | Leeds United v Chelsea | D | 2-2 |
| FA Cup | 30 Jan 1965 | Leeds United v Everton | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 02 Feb 1965 | Everton v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 06 Feb 1965 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 13 Feb 1965 | Arsenal v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| FA Cup | 20 Feb 1965 | Leeds United v Shrewsbury Town | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 27 Feb 1965 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| FA Cup | 10 Mar 1965 | Crystal Palace v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| League Division One | 13 Mar 1965 | Fulham v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 15 Mar 1965 | Leeds United v Burnley | W | 5-1 |
| League Division One | 20 Mar 1965 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 4-1 |
| FA Cup | 27 Mar 1965 | Leeds United v Manchester United | D | 0-0 |
| FA Cup | 31 Mar 1965 | Leeds United v Manchester United | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 03 Apr 1965 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 05 Apr 1965 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 12 Apr 1965 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 17 Apr 1965 | Leeds United v Manchester United | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 19 Apr 1965 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 20 Apr 1965 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 24 Apr 1965 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| League Division One | 26 Apr 1965 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | D | 3-3 |
| FA Cup | 01 May 1965 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 1-2 |
