The 1968-69 season marked a significant milestone in the history of Leeds United, as the team clinched the First Division Championship for the first time. Under the management of Don Revie, Leeds showcased an incredible level of consistency and skill, setting several records along the way.
Unstoppable League Form
In the 1968-69 season, Leeds United dominated the First Division. They played a total of 42 matches, achieving an impressive record of 27 wins, 13 draws, and only 2 losses. This remarkable performance allowed them to accumulate 67 points, setting the record for the most points in the top flight at that time.
Home Fortress
Leeds United was particularly formidable at home, remaining unbeaten throughout the season. They not only secured the best home record in the 20th century but also achieved 39 home points, winning 18 home matches—another record that demonstrated their dominance on their own turf.
Key Players and Scorers
Mick Jones emerged as the team’s top scorer during this memorable season, netting 17 goals across all competitions. His contributions were crucial in securing vital points throughout the league campaign and solidified his place as a fan favorite.
Cup Campaigns: A Different Story
Despite their league triumph, Leeds United’s cup runs were less successful. The team faced early exits in both the FA Cup and the League Cup, which highlighted a stark contrast to their league performances. However, they did manage to progress to the quarterfinals of the Fairs Cup, overcoming formidable opponents such as Standard Liège, Napoli, and Hannover.
Record-Breaking Achievements
The 1968-69 season saw Leeds United set several top-flight records:
- Most Points: 67
- Most Home Points: 39
- Most Wins: 27
- Most Home Wins: 18
- Fewest Defeats: 2
- Fewest Goals Conceded: Only 26 goals were conceded throughout the season.
These achievements not only cemented Leeds United’s status as a formidable force in English football but also showcased the tactical prowess of Don Revie and his squad.
Conclusion
The 1968-69 season will forever be etched in the annals of Leeds United’s history as a period of unparalleled success. Winning the First Division Championship with such a strong record set the stage for future triumphs and solidified the club’s reputation as a powerhouse in English football. The foundation laid during this season would contribute to Leeds United’s legacy in the years to come.
First Division 1968-69 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leeds United | 42 | 27 | 13 | 2 | 66 | 26 | 67 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 42 | 25 | 11 | 6 | 63 | 24 | 61 |
| 3 | Everton | 42 | 21 | 15 | 6 | 77 | 36 | 57 |
| 4 | Arsenal | 42 | 22 | 12 | 8 | 56 | 27 | 56 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 42 | 20 | 10 | 12 | 73 | 53 | 50 |
| 6 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 14 | 17 | 11 | 61 | 51 | 45 |
| 7 | Southampton | 42 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 57 | 48 | 45 |
| 8 | West Ham United | 42 | 13 | 18 | 11 | 66 | 50 | 44 |
| 9 | Newcastle United | 42 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 61 | 55 | 44 |
| 10 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 16 | 11 | 15 | 64 | 67 | 43 |
| 11 | Manchester United | 42 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 57 | 53 | 42 |
| 12 | Ipswich Town | 42 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 59 | 60 | 41 |
| 13 | Manchester City | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 64 | 55 | 40 |
| 14 | Burnley | 42 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 55 | 82 | 39 |
| 15 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 10 | 16 | 16 | 41 | 54 | 36 |
| 16 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 41 | 58 | 35 |
| 17 | Sunderland | 42 | 11 | 12 | 19 | 43 | 67 | 34 |
| 18 | Nottingham Forest | 42 | 10 | 13 | 19 | 45 | 57 | 33 |
| 19 | Stoke City | 42 | 9 | 15 | 18 | 40 | 63 | 33 |
| 20 | Coventry City | 42 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 46 | 64 | 31 |
| 21 | Leicester City | 42 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 39 | 68 | 30 |
| 22 | Queens Park Rangers | 42 | 4 | 10 | 28 | 39 | 95 | 18 |
Leeds United 1968-69 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairs Cup | 07 Aug 1968 | Leeds United v Ferencvaros | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 10 Aug 1968 | Southampton v Leeds United | W | 1-3 |
| League Division One | 14 Aug 1968 | Leeds United v Queens Park Rangers | W | 4-1 |
| League Division One | 17 Aug 1968 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 20 Aug 1968 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | W | 2-3 |
| League Division One | 28 Aug 1968 | Leeds United v Sunderland | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 31 Aug 1968 | Leeds United v Liverpool | W | 1-0 |
| League Cup | 03 Sep 1968 | Leeds United v Charlton Athletic | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 07 Sep 1968 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 2-1 |
| Fairs Cup | 11 Sep 1968 | Ferencvaros v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 14 Sep 1968 | Leicester City v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| Fairs Cup | 18 Sep 1968 | Standard Liege v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 21 Sep 1968 | Leeds United v Arsenal | W | 2-0 |
| League Cup | 25 Sep 1968 | Leeds United v Bristol City | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 28 Sep 1968 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 05 Oct 1968 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 09 Oct 1968 | Sunderland v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 12 Oct 1968 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 2-0 |
| League Cup | 16 Oct 1968 | Crystal Palace v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 19 Oct 1968 | Burnley v Leeds United | L | 5-1 |
| Fairs Cup | 23 Oct 1968 | Leeds United v Standard Liege | W | 3-2 |
| League Division One | 26 Oct 1968 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 02 Nov 1968 | Manchester United v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 09 Nov 1968 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | D | 0-0 |
| Fairs Cup | 13 Nov 1968 | Leeds United v Napoli | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 16 Nov 1968 | Coventry City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 23 Nov 1968 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 2-1 |
| Fairs Cup | 27 Nov 1968 | Napoli v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 30 Nov 1968 | Chelsea v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 07 Dec 1968 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 14 Dec 1968 | West Ham United v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| Fairs Cup | 18 Dec 1968 | Leeds United v Hannover 96 | W | 5-1 |
| League Division One | 21 Dec 1968 | Leeds United v Burnley | W | 6-1 |
| League Division One | 26 Dec 1968 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 2-1 |
| FA Cup | 04 Jan 1969 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 08 Jan 1969 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | L | 1-3 |
| League Division One | 11 Jan 1969 | Leeds United v Manchester United | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 18 Jan 1969 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 24 Jan 1969 | Queens Park Rangers v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 01 Feb 1969 | Leeds United v Coventry City | W | 3-0 |
| Fairs Cup | 04 Feb 1969 | Hannover 96 v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 12 Feb 1969 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 15 Feb 1969 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 25 Feb 1969 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 01 Mar 1969 | Leeds United v Southampton | W | 3-2 |
| Fairs Cup | 05 Mar 1969 | Leeds United v Ujpest Dosza | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 08 Mar 1969 | Stoke City v Leeds United | W | 1-5 |
| Fairs Cup | 19 Mar 1969 | Ujpest Dosza v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 29 Mar 1969 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 01 Apr 1969 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 05 Apr 1969 | Leeds United v Manchester City | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 09 Apr 1969 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 12 Apr 1969 | Arsenal v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 19 Apr 1969 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 22 Apr 1969 | Everton v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 28 Apr 1969 | Liverpool v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 30 Apr 1969 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | W | 1-0 |
