The 1984-85 season for Leeds United was marked by a blend of promise and tragedy, encapsulating both the highs of strong performances and the lows of off-field incidents. This overview will delve into the key moments and statistics that defined the season, illustrating a club that was on the brink of resurgence.
A Solid Performance
Leeds United’s performance during the 1984-85 season was generally positive, though it fell short of their aspirations for promotion. The team finished the season with a respectable standing, showcasing a blend of talent and determination. Their final league position reflected a growing stability within the squad, hinting at potential for future success.
Top Scorer: Tommy Wright
The standout player for Leeds was Tommy Wright, who emerged as the club’s top scorer with 15 goals. His consistent scoring ability not only provided crucial points throughout the season but also solidified his position as a fan favorite. Wright’s performances were instrumental in driving the team forward, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net.
Promising Attack
Leeds United boasted an impressive attacking lineup, scoring a total of 66 goals throughout the season. This offensive prowess was a significant improvement compared to previous years and highlighted the team’s ability to create and convert scoring opportunities. Matches like the 6-0 thrashing of Oldham Athletic, where Andy Ritchie netted three goals, exemplified the attacking potential of the squad.
Notable Matches
One of the season’s highlights was a commanding 5-0 victory against Notts County, where Tommy Wright also delivered a hat-trick performance. These dominant displays not only thrilled fans but also showcased the team’s capability to perform at a high level.
Defensive Improvement
In addition to their attacking strength, Leeds United showed marked improvement in defense, conceding only 43 goals throughout the season. This reduced goal tally reflected a more organized and disciplined defensive structure, enabling the team to remain competitive in matches and contributing to their overall stability.
A Season of Hope
Despite not achieving their ultimate goal of promotion, Leeds United fans felt a renewed sense of hope at the end of the season. The combination of a solid performance and the emergence of key players set the stage for optimism heading into the next campaign. The foundation laid during this season would serve as a springboard for future success.
Tragedy at Birmingham
However, the season was marred by tragedy during an away match against Birmingham City. Rioting by Leeds fans resulted in the collapse of a brick wall, tragically leading to the death of 14-year-old Ian Hambridge. His father, Vic Hambridge, described Ian as a “happy-go-lucky lad” who was attending his first football match. The incident highlighted serious concerns about fan behavior and stadium safety, casting a shadow over the footballing achievements of the season.
Conclusion
The 1984-85 season for Leeds United encapsulated the dual nature of football: the thrill of victory coupled with the pain of loss. While the club enjoyed commendable performances and glimpses of future promise, the tragedy off the pitch served as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with being part of the football community. As Leeds United looked ahead, they did so with the hope of building on their successes and addressing the challenges that lay ahead.
Second Division 1984-85 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxford United (C, P) | 42 | 25 | 9 | 8 | 84 | 36 | +48 | 84 |
| 2 | Birmingham City (P) | 42 | 25 | 7 | 10 | 59 | 33 | +26 | 82 |
| 3 | Manchester City (P) | 42 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 66 | 40 | +26 | 74 |
| 4 | Portsmouth | 42 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 69 | 50 | +19 | 74 |
| 5 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 21 | 10 | 11 | 66 | 41 | +25 | 73 |
| 6 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 42 | 20 | 12 | 10 | 54 | 34 | +20 | 72 |
| 7 | Leeds United | 42 | 19 | 12 | 11 | 66 | 43 | +23 | 69 |
| 8 | Shrewsbury Town | 42 | 18 | 11 | 13 | 66 | 53 | +13 | 65 |
| 9 | Fulham | 42 | 19 | 8 | 15 | 68 | 64 | +4 | 65 |
| 10 | Grimsby Town | 42 | 18 | 8 | 16 | 72 | 64 | +8 | 62 |
| 11 | Barnsley | 42 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 42 | 42 | 0 | 58 |
| 12 | Wimbledon | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 71 | 75 | −4 | 58 |
| 13 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 52 | 64 | −12 | 55 |
| 14 | Oldham Athletic | 42 | 15 | 8 | 19 | 49 | 67 | −18 | 53 |
| 15 | Crystal Palace | 42 | 12 | 12 | 18 | 46 | 65 | −19 | 48 |
| 16 | Carlisle United | 42 | 13 | 8 | 21 | 50 | 67 | −17 | 47 |
| 17 | Charlton Athletic | 42 | 11 | 12 | 19 | 51 | 63 | −12 | 45 |
| 18 | Sheffield United | 42 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 54 | 66 | −12 | 44 |
| 19 | Middlesbrough | 42 | 10 | 10 | 22 | 41 | 57 | −16 | 40 |
| 20 | Notts County | 42 | 10 | 7 | 25 | 45 | 73 | −28 | 37 |
| 21 | Cardiff City | 42 | 9 | 8 | 25 | 47 | 79 | −32 | 35 |
| 22 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 8 | 9 | 25 | 37 | 79 | −42 | 33 |
Leeds United 1984-85 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division Two | 25 Aug 1984 | Notts County v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 27 Aug 1984 | Leeds United v Fulham | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 01 Sep 1984 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 08 Sep 1984 | Grimsby Town v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 12 Sep 1984 | Cardiff City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 15 Sep 1984 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | L | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 22 Sep 1984 | Crystal Palace v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Cup | 25 Sep 1984 | Gillingham v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 29 Sep 1984 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | W | 6-0 |
| League Division Two | 06 Oct 1984 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 10 Oct 1984 | Leeds United v Gillingham | W | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 13 Oct 1984 | Barnsley v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 20 Oct 1984 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 27 Oct 1984 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 2-0 |
| League Cup | 31 Oct 1984 | Leeds United v Watford | L | 0-4 |
| League Division Two | 03 Nov 1984 | Charlton Athletic v Leeds United | W | 2-3 |
| League Division Two | 10 Nov 1984 | Leeds United v Carlisle United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 17 Nov 1984 | Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 24 Nov 1984 | Oxford United v Leeds United | L | 5-2 |
| League Division Two | 01 Dec 1984 | Leeds United v Wimbledon | W | 5-2 |
| League Division Two | 08 Dec 1984 | Shrewsbury Town v Leeds United | W | 2-3 |
| League Division Two | 15 Dec 1984 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | L | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 22 Dec 1984 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 26 Dec 1984 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 29 Dec 1984 | Leeds United v Cardiff City | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 01 Jan 1985 | Leeds United v Manchester City | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 04 Jan 1985 | Leeds United v Everton | L | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 19 Jan 1985 | Leeds United v Notts County | W | 5-0 |
| League Division Two | 02 Feb 1985 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 09 Feb 1985 | Leeds United v Grimsby Town | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 23 Feb 1985 | Leeds United v Charlton Athletic | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 26 Feb 1985 | Carlisle United v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division Two | 02 Mar 1985 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 09 Mar 1985 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 12 Mar 1985 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 16 Mar 1985 | Leeds United v Barnsley | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 23 Mar 1985 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 30 Mar 1985 | Fulham v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 06 Apr 1985 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 08 Apr 1985 | Manchester City v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 13 Apr 1985 | Leeds United v Crystal Palace | W | 4-1 |
| League Division Two | 20 Apr 1985 | Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 27 Apr 1985 | Leeds United v Oxford United | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 04 May 1985 | Wimbledon v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division Two | 06 May 1985 | Leeds United v Shrewsbury Town | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 11 May 1985 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
