The 1966-67 season was a pivotal year for Leeds United, marking a period of competitive strength and notable achievements under the management of Don Revie. The team showcased impressive performances that solidified their position in English football.
League Performance
Leeds United finished the 1966-67 season in 4th position in the First Division, accumulating 55 points. The team demonstrated their attacking prowess by scoring a total of 62 goals throughout the season. This performance underscored their competitiveness, keeping them in contention among the top clubs in England.
Key Players
One of the standout performers was Johnny Giles, who emerged as the club’s top scorer, netting 18 goals in all competitions. His contributions were vital in key matches, and his presence on the field helped drive the team forward during crucial moments.
FA Cup Journey
In addition to their league efforts, Leeds made a significant run in the FA Cup, reaching the semi-finals. This journey captivated fans and showcased the team’s depth and resilience, although they ultimately fell short of reaching the final.
League Cup and Early Exit
Leeds United experienced an early exit from the League Cup during the 1966-67 season. Despite the disappointment, the team focused on their league campaign and European pursuits, maintaining their competitive edge.
European Competition: Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
The highlight of the season was Leeds’ campaign in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, where they reached the finals. Unfortunately, they were beaten 2-0 by Dinamo Zagreb, marking a bittersweet end to their European aspirations. Despite the loss, their performance in the tournament elevated their profile in international football.
Managerial Aspirations: Don Revie
Under the guidance of Don Revie, Leeds United aimed to bolster their squad. Revie was particularly keen on signing Alan Ball, a dynamic 21-year-old winger from Blackpool. His persistent pursuit of Ball showcased Revie’s ambition to enhance the team’s talent. Despite ongoing negotiations and attempts to sway Ball to Yorkshire, Blackpool’s management remained firm, placing a ‘Not for sale’ sign on their star player.
Conclusion
The 1966-67 season was a testament to Leeds United’s strength and potential. Finishing 4th in the league, reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, and making it to the finals of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup highlighted a season of promise. With key players like Johnny Giles leading the charge, and managerial efforts aimed at recruitment, Leeds was clearly on the cusp of becoming a formidable force in English and European football.
First Division 1966-67 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester United | 42 | 24 | 12 | 6 | 84 | 45 | 1.867 | 60 |
| 2 | Nottingham Forest | 42 | 23 | 10 | 9 | 64 | 41 | 1.561 | 56 |
| 3 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 24 | 8 | 10 | 71 | 48 | 1.479 | 56 |
| 4 | Leeds United | 42 | 22 | 11 | 9 | 62 | 42 | 1.476 | 55 |
| 5 | Liverpool | 42 | 19 | 13 | 10 | 64 | 47 | 1.362 | 51 |
| 6 | Everton | 42 | 19 | 10 | 13 | 65 | 46 | 1.413 | 48 |
| 7 | Arsenal | 42 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 58 | 47 | 1.234 | 46 |
| 8 | Leicester City | 42 | 18 | 8 | 16 | 78 | 71 | 1.099 | 44 |
| 9 | Chelsea | 42 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 67 | 62 | 1.081 | 44 |
| 10 | Sheffield United | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 52 | 59 | 0.881 | 42 |
| 11 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 56 | 47 | 1.191 | 41 |
| 12 | Stoke City | 42 | 17 | 7 | 18 | 63 | 58 | 1.086 | 41 |
| 13 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 16 | 7 | 19 | 77 | 73 | 1.055 | 39 |
| 14 | Burnley | 42 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 66 | 76 | 0.868 | 39 |
| 15 | Manchester City | 42 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 43 | 52 | 0.827 | 39 |
| 16 | West Ham United | 42 | 14 | 8 | 20 | 80 | 84 | 0.952 | 36 |
| 17 | Sunderland | 42 | 14 | 8 | 20 | 58 | 72 | 0.806 | 36 |
| 18 | Fulham | 42 | 11 | 12 | 19 | 71 | 83 | 0.855 | 34 |
| 19 | Southampton | 42 | 14 | 6 | 22 | 74 | 92 | 0.804 | 34 |
| 20 | Newcastle United | 42 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 39 | 81 | 0.481 | 33 |
| 21 | Aston Villa | 42 | 11 | 7 | 24 | 54 | 85 | 0.635 | 29 |
| 22 | Blackpool | 42 | 6 | 9 | 27 | 41 | 76 | 0.539 | 21 |
Leeds United 1966-67 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division One | 20 Aug 1966 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 24 Aug 1966 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 27 Aug 1966 | Leeds United v Manchester United | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 31 Aug 1966 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 03 Sep 1966 | Burnley v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 07 Sep 1966 | Leeds United v Sunderland | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 10 Sep 1966 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 13 Sep 1966 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 17 Sep 1966 | Fulham v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 24 Sep 1966 | Leeds United v Everton | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 01 Oct 1966 | Stoke City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Cup | 04 Oct 1966 | Preston North End v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 08 Oct 1966 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | L | 3-0 |
| League Cup | 12 Oct 1966 | Leeds United v Preston North End | W | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 15 Oct 1966 | Leeds United v Arsenal | W | 3-1 |
| Fairs Cup | 18 Oct 1966 | DWS Amsterdam v Leeds United | W | 1-3 |
| Fairs Cup | 26 Oct 1966 | Leeds United v DWS Amsterdam | W | 5-1 |
| League Division One | 29 Oct 1966 | Leeds United v Southampton | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 05 Nov 1966 | Arsenal v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Cup | 07 Nov 1966 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 7-0 |
| League Division One | 12 Nov 1966 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 19 Nov 1966 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 5-0 |
| League Division One | 26 Nov 1966 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 03 Dec 1966 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 10 Dec 1966 | Leeds United v Blackpool | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 17 Dec 1966 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | W | 3-2 |
| League Division One | 24 Dec 1966 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 26 Dec 1966 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 5-0 |
| League Division One | 31 Dec 1966 | Manchester United v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 07 Jan 1967 | Leeds United v Burnley | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 14 Jan 1967 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| Fairs Cup | 18 Jan 1967 | Leeds United v Valencia | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 21 Jan 1967 | Leeds United v Fulham | W | 3-1 |
| FA Cup | 28 Jan 1967 | Leeds United v Crystal Palace | W | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 04 Feb 1967 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| Fairs Cup | 08 Feb 1967 | Valencia v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 11 Feb 1967 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 3-0 |
| FA Cup | 18 Feb 1967 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 5-0 |
| League Division One | 25 Feb 1967 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | L | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 04 Mar 1967 | Southampton v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| FA Cup | 11 Mar 1967 | Sunderland v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 15 Mar 1967 | Leeds United v Sunderland | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 18 Mar 1967 | Leeds United v Manchester City | D | 0-0 |
| FA Cup | 20 Mar 1967 | Leeds United v Sunderland | W | 2-1 |
| Fairs Cup | 22 Mar 1967 | Bologna v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 25 Mar 1967 | Blackpool v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 27 Mar 1967 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | W | 1-4 |
| League Division One | 28 Mar 1967 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 01 Apr 1967 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 1-0 |
| FA Cup | 08 Apr 1967 | Leeds United v Manchester City | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 10 Apr 1967 | Leicester City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| Fairs Cup | 19 Apr 1967 | Leeds United v Bologna | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 22 Apr 1967 | West Ham United v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| FA Cup | 29 Apr 1967 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 03 May 1967 | Leeds United v Liverpool | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 06 May 1967 | Chelsea v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 08 May 1967 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 13 May 1967 | Sunderland v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 15 May 1967 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | W | 1-0 |
| Fairs Cup | 19 May 1967 | Leeds United v Kilmarnock | W | 4-2 |
| Fairs Cup | 24 May 1967 | Kilmarnock v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
