The 1981-82 season was one of the most challenging periods in Leeds United’s storied history. After finishing 20th in the First Division, the club faced relegation, marking a painful end to an era that had once been filled with triumph.
A Disastrous Campaign
Leeds United’s performance throughout the 1981-82 season was a stark departure from their previous successes. Despite a storied legacy, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing in the relegation zone. This season highlighted the difficulties the club faced, resulting in their relegation after 18 years in the top flight.
Struggles on the Pitch
The club’s top scorers, Arthur Graham and Frank Worthington, each managed to score only nine goals. This lack of offensive firepower reflected the team’s overall struggles and contributed to a disappointing total of 39 goals scored in the league. Coupled with a leaky defense that conceded 59 goals, the results were not what fans had come to expect.
The Legacy of Don Revie
Since the departure of legendary manager Don Revie in 1974, Leeds United had struggled to regain their former glory. Revie’s tenure was marked by success and competitive spirit, but his exit heralded a decline. The 1981-82 season underscored the lasting impact of his absence, as Leeds found it increasingly difficult to compete at the highest level.
A Sad Farewell to the First Division
For many fans, relegation was a devastating blow. Leeds United had been a prominent figure in English football for 18 years, and their fall from grace was heart-wrenching. Supporters who had celebrated numerous victories now faced the reality of life in the Second Division, testing their loyalty and resilience.
Looking Ahead
As Leeds United prepared for the challenges of the Second Division, the need for a thorough reassessment became clear. The club faced a crucial rebuilding phase, requiring a fresh strategy and a renewed spirit. While the 1981-82 season was marked by disappointment, it also served as a turning point—a reminder of the potential for resurgence in the future.
First Division 1981-82 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool (C) | 42 | 26 | 9 | 7 | 80 | 32 | +48 | 87 |
| 2 | Ipswich Town | 42 | 26 | 5 | 11 | 75 | 53 | +22 | 83 |
| 3 | Manchester United | 42 | 22 | 12 | 8 | 59 | 29 | +30 | 78 |
| 4 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 20 | 11 | 11 | 67 | 48 | +19 | 71 |
| 5 | Arsenal | 42 | 20 | 11 | 11 | 48 | 37 | +11 | 71 |
| 6 | Swansea City | 42 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 58 | 51 | +7 | 69 |
| 7 | Southampton | 42 | 19 | 9 | 14 | 72 | 67 | +5 | 66 |
| 8 | Everton | 42 | 17 | 13 | 12 | 56 | 50 | +6 | 64 |
| 9 | West Ham United | 42 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 66 | 57 | +9 | 58 |
| 10 | Manchester City | 42 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 49 | 50 | −1 | 58 |
| 11 | Aston Villa | 42 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 55 | 53 | +2 | 57 |
| 12 | Nottingham Forest | 42 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 42 | 48 | −6 | 57 |
| 13 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 42 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 43 | 52 | −9 | 52 |
| 14 | Coventry City | 42 | 13 | 11 | 18 | 56 | 62 | −6 | 50 |
| 15 | Notts County | 42 | 13 | 8 | 21 | 61 | 69 | −8 | 47 |
| 16 | Birmingham City | 42 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 53 | 61 | −8 | 44 |
| 17 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 11 | 11 | 20 | 46 | 57 | −11 | 44 |
| 18 | Stoke City | 42 | 12 | 8 | 22 | 44 | 63 | −19 | 44 |
| 19 | Sunderland | 42 | 11 | 11 | 20 | 38 | 58 | −20 | 44 |
| 20 | Leeds United | 42 | 10 | 12 | 20 | 39 | 61 | −22 | 42 |
| 21 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 10 | 10 | 22 | 32 | 63 | −31 | 40 |
| 22 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 8 | 15 | 19 | 34 | 52 | −18 | 39 |
Leeds United 1981-82 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division One | 29 Aug 1981 | Swansea City v Leeds United | L | 1-5 |
| League Division One | 02 Sep 1981 | Leeds United v Everton | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 05 Sep 1981 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 12 Sep 1981 | Coventry City v Leeds United | L | 0-4 |
| League Division One | 19 Sep 1981 | Leeds United v Arsenal | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 23 Sep 1981 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 0-4 |
| League Division One | 26 Sep 1981 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | L | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 30 Sep 1981 | Manchester United v Leeds United | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 03 Oct 1981 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 07 Oct 1981 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 10 Oct 1981 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 0-3 |
| League Division One | 17 Oct 1981 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 24 Oct 1981 | Leeds United v Sunderland | W | 1-0 |
| League Cup | 27 Oct 1981 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | L | 0-3 |
| League Division One | 31 Oct 1981 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | L | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 07 Nov 1981 | Leeds United v Notts County | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 21 Nov 1981 | Southampton v Leeds United | L | 0-4 |
| League Division One | 28 Nov 1981 | Leeds United v West Ham United | D | 3-3 |
| League Division One | 05 Dec 1981 | Stoke City v Leeds United | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 12 Dec 1981 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | D | 0-0 |
| FA Cup | 02 Jan 1982 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 16 Jan 1982 | Leeds United v Swansea City | W | 2-0 |
| FA Cup | 23 Jan 1982 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 30 Jan 1982 | Arsenal v Leeds United | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 06 Feb 1982 | Leeds United v Coventry City | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 20 Feb 1982 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | L | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 27 Feb 1982 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 02 Mar 1982 | Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds United | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 10 Mar 1982 | Leeds United v Manchester City | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 13 Mar 1982 | Sunderland v Leeds United | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 16 Mar 1982 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 20 Mar 1982 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 27 Mar 1982 | Notts County v Leeds United | L | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 03 Apr 1982 | Leeds United v Manchester United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 06 Apr 1982 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 10 Apr 1982 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 13 Apr 1982 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 17 Apr 1982 | Leeds United v Southampton | L | 1-3 |
| League Division One | 24 Apr 1982 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 3-4 |
| League Division One | 28 Apr 1982 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | W | 1-4 |
| League Division One | 01 May 1982 | Leeds United v Stoke City | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 04 May 1982 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 08 May 1982 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | L | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 12 May 1982 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | D | 3-3 |
| League Division One | 15 May 1982 | Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 18 May 1982 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | L | 0-2 |
