The 1978-79 season marked a significant turning point for Leeds United, showcasing a revival of the club’s ambitions to compete at the highest levels in England and Europe. With a blend of talent and determination, Leeds fans were optimistic as their team began to reclaim its former glory.
A Promising Campaign
Leeds United had a brilliant season in 1978-79, finishing in 5th position in the First Division. This was a remarkable achievement, especially after a few challenging seasons where the club struggled to find its footing. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, highlighting the potential for a brighter future.
John Hawley: The Top Scorer
One of the standout performers of the season was John Hawley, who emerged as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals. His contributions in front of goal were crucial in securing vital points for the team, making him a fan favorite. Hawley’s performances not only showcased his individual talent but also underscored the effectiveness of Leeds’ attacking play.
European Competition Awaits
Leeds United’s impressive finish meant they qualified for the UEFA Cup, marking a much-anticipated return to European competition. For the fans, this was a long-awaited moment of joy, as the club had been known for its historic European battles in the past. The prospect of competing on the continental stage again was exhilarating, with supporters eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches.
A Legacy of European Football
Leeds United was not new to European football; the club had previously established itself as a formidable force in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their participation in the UEFA Cup represented a chance to rekindle that legacy. Fans reminisced about the club’s illustrious history, which included reaching the European Cup final in 1975, and looked forward to a new chapter filled with hope and ambition.
Building a Stronger Team
The 1978-79 season was a clear indication that Leeds United was in the process of rebuilding. The management focused on enhancing the squad’s quality, blending experienced players with promising talent. This strategy not only improved the team’s performance but also fostered a renewed sense of camaraderie and purpose.
The Support of the Fans
Leeds United fans played an essential role in this resurgence. Their unwavering support provided the players with the motivation they needed to succeed. The atmosphere at Elland Road was electric, as supporters rallied behind the team, reinforcing the bond between the club and its fanbase.
Conclusion
The 1978-79 season for Leeds United was marked by optimism, resilience, and a rekindled connection to European football. As the club looked ahead to the UEFA Cup, the foundation for a promising future was being laid. Leeds United fans could finally dream of returning to the heights of English and European football, paving the way for exciting times ahead. This season not only highlighted the talent within the squad but also the potential for Leeds United to once again compete amongst the best in the game.
First Division 1978-79 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 42 | 30 | 8 | 4 | 85 | 16 | +69 | 68 |
| 2 | Nottingham Forest | 42 | 21 | 18 | 3 | 61 | 26 | +35 | 60 |
| 3 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 24 | 11 | 7 | 72 | 35 | +37 | 59 |
| 4 | Everton | 42 | 17 | 17 | 8 | 52 | 40 | +12 | 51 |
| 5 | Leeds United | 42 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 70 | 52 | +18 | 50 |
| 6 | Ipswich Town | 42 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 63 | 49 | +14 | 49 |
| 7 | Arsenal | 42 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 61 | 48 | +13 | 48 |
| 8 | Aston Villa | 42 | 15 | 16 | 11 | 59 | 49 | +10 | 46 |
| 9 | Manchester United | 42 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 60 | 63 | −3 | 45 |
| 10 | Coventry City | 42 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 58 | 68 | −10 | 44 |
| 11 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 48 | 61 | −13 | 41 |
| 12 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 57 | 50 | +7 | 40 |
| 13 | Bristol City | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 47 | 51 | −4 | 40 |
| 14 | Southampton | 42 | 12 | 16 | 14 | 47 | 53 | −6 | 40 |
| 15 | Manchester City | 42 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 58 | 56 | +2 | 39 |
| 16 | Norwich City | 42 | 7 | 23 | 12 | 51 | 57 | −6 | 37 |
| 17 | Bolton Wanderers | 42 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 54 | 75 | −21 | 35 |
| 18 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 13 | 8 | 21 | 44 | 68 | −24 | 34 |
| 19 | Derby County | 42 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 44 | 71 | −27 | 31 |
| 20 | Queens Park Rangers | 42 | 6 | 13 | 23 | 45 | 73 | −28 | 25 |
| 21 | Birmingham City | 42 | 6 | 10 | 26 | 37 | 64 | −27 | 22 |
| 22 | Chelsea | 42 | 5 | 10 | 27 | 44 | 92 | −48 | 20 |
Leeds United 1978-79 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division One | 19 Aug 1978 | Arsenal v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 23 Aug 1978 | Leeds United v Manchester United | L | 2-3 |
| League Division One | 26 Aug 1978 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 3-0 |
| League Cup | 29 Aug 1978 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 02 Sep 1978 | Chelsea v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| League Cup | 06 Sep 1978 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 09 Sep 1978 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 16 Sep 1978 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | L | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 23 Sep 1978 | Coventry City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 30 Sep 1978 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | W | 3-0 |
| League Cup | 02 Oct 1978 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 07 Oct 1978 | Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Cup | 10 Oct 1978 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | W | 1-4 |
| League Division One | 14 Oct 1978 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | L | 1-3 |
| League Division One | 21 Oct 1978 | Norwich City v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 28 Oct 1978 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 4-0 |
| League Division One | 04 Nov 1978 | Liverpool v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 07 Nov 1978 | Queens Park Rangers v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 11 Nov 1978 | Leeds United v Arsenal | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 18 Nov 1978 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 22 Nov 1978 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 25 Nov 1978 | Leeds United v Southampton | W | 4-0 |
| League Division One | 02 Dec 1978 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | W | 2-3 |
| League Division One | 09 Dec 1978 | Leeds United v Bristol City | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 13 Dec 1978 | Leeds United v Luton Town | W | 4-1 |
| League Division One | 16 Dec 1978 | Everton v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 23 Dec 1978 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 26 Dec 1978 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 30 Dec 1978 | Queens Park Rangers v Leeds United | W | 1-4 |
| League Division One | 13 Jan 1979 | Leeds United v Manchester City | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 18 Jan 1979 | Hartlepool United v Leeds United | W | 2-6 |
| League Division One | 20 Jan 1979 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Cup | 24 Jan 1979 | Leeds United v Southampton | D | 2-2 |
| League Cup | 30 Jan 1979 | Southampton v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 03 Feb 1979 | Leeds United v Coventry City | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 10 Feb 1979 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 24 Feb 1979 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| FA Cup | 26 Feb 1979 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | D | 3-3 |
| FA Cup | 01 Mar 1979 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 03 Mar 1979 | Leeds United v Norwich City | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 10 Mar 1979 | Derby County v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 24 Mar 1979 | Manchester United v Leeds United | L | 4-1 |
| League Division One | 31 Mar 1979 | Southampton v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 07 Apr 1979 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 10 Apr 1979 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 14 Apr 1979 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 16 Apr 1979 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 21 Apr 1979 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 25 Apr 1979 | Leeds United v Bolton Wanderers | W | 5-1 |
| League Division One | 28 Apr 1979 | Bristol City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 04 May 1979 | Leeds United v Queens Park Rangers | W | 4-3 |
| League Division One | 15 May 1979 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | L | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 17 May 1979 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 0-3 |
