The 1985-86 season was a challenging chapter for Leeds United, as the team finished a disappointing 14th in the Second Division. Expectations were high, but the season turned out to be far from what fans had hoped for.
Defensive Woes
One of the most significant issues for Leeds that season was their defensive frailty. The team conceded a staggering 72 goals, making them one of the most vulnerable defenses in the league. This lack of solidity at the back put immense pressure on the forwards, who had to compensate for the defensive shortcomings.
Attacking Efforts
Despite the defensive disasters, Leeds United’s attack showed some resilience, scoring 56 goals throughout the campaign. This offensive output was crucial in keeping the club afloat in the league. Leading the charge was Ian Baird, the club’s top scorer, who netted 12 goals. His contributions were vital in a season where consistency was sorely lacking.
Managerial Changes
The turmoil on the pitch was mirrored by instability in the dugout. In a bid to turn their fortunes around, Leeds United made the bold decision to sack manager Eddie Gray. The club turned to a familiar face, appointing Billy Bremner, a former club captain and legend, as the new manager. Bremner had been managing Doncaster Rovers in the Third Division, where he had impressed the board with his negotiation skills, particularly during the sale of Ian Snodin.
Bremner’s appointment came in October 1985, and Leeds paid Doncaster £45,000 in compensation for his services. His arrival was met with cautious optimism, as fans hoped that his legendary status at the club would translate into better results on the pitch.
A Declining Legacy
Leeds United’s decline during this period was evident in various ways. The club had fallen into the Second Division, faced financial difficulties that led to the sale of Elland Road to the council, and developed a negative reputation among supporters due to incidents of violence and hooliganism during matches.
Looking Ahead
As Leeds United navigated through a difficult season, the focus shifted to rebuilding and regaining their status in English football. With Bremner at the helm, fans remained hopeful that the club could turn things around and reclaim its former glory. The 1985-86 season may not have met expectations, but it set the stage for necessary changes that would shape the future of Leeds United.
Conclusion
The 1985-86 season was a rollercoaster for Leeds United, marked by defensive failures, a commendable attack, and significant managerial changes. While the club finished in a disappointing 14th place, the foundation was laid for a future resurgence, driven by the passion and determination of its new manager, Billy Bremner.
Second Division 1985-86 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norwich City (C, P) | 42 | 25 | 9 | 8 | 84 | 37 | +47 | 84 |
| 2 | Charlton Athletic (P) | 42 | 22 | 11 | 9 | 78 | 45 | +33 | 77 |
| 3 | Wimbledon (P) | 42 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 58 | 37 | +21 | 76 |
| 4 | Portsmouth | 42 | 22 | 7 | 13 | 69 | 41 | +28 | 73 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 42 | 19 | 9 | 14 | 57 | 52 | +5 | 66 |
| 6 | Hull City | 42 | 17 | 13 | 12 | 65 | 55 | +10 | 64 |
| 7 | Sheffield United | 42 | 17 | 11 | 14 | 64 | 63 | +1 | 62 |
| 8 | Oldham Athletic | 42 | 17 | 9 | 16 | 62 | 61 | +1 | 60 |
| 9 | Millwall | 42 | 17 | 8 | 17 | 64 | 65 | −1 | 59 |
| 10 | Stoke City | 42 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 48 | 50 | −2 | 57 |
| 11 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 42 | 16 | 8 | 18 | 64 | 64 | 0 | 56 |
| 12 | Barnsley | 42 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 47 | 50 | −3 | 56 |
| 13 | Bradford City | 42 | 16 | 6 | 20 | 51 | 63 | −12 | 54 |
| 14 | Leeds United | 42 | 15 | 8 | 19 | 56 | 72 | −16 | 53 |
| 15 | Grimsby Town | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 58 | 62 | −4 | 52 |
| 16 | Huddersfield Town | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 51 | 67 | −16 | 52 |
| 17 | Shrewsbury Town | 42 | 14 | 9 | 19 | 52 | 64 | −12 | 51 |
| 18 | Sunderland | 42 | 13 | 11 | 18 | 47 | 61 | −14 | 50 |
| 19 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 53 | 62 | −9 | 49 |
| 20 | Carlisle United (R) | 42 | 13 | 7 | 22 | 47 | 71 | −24 | 46 |
| 21 | Middlesbrough (R) | 42 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 44 | 53 | −9 | 45 |
| 22 | Fulham (R) | 42 | 10 | 6 | 26 | 45 | 69 | −24 | 36 |
Leeds United 1985-86 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division Two | 17 Aug 1985 | Fulham v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 21 Aug 1985 | Leeds United v Wimbledon | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 24 Aug 1985 | Leeds United v Hull City | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 26 Aug 1985 | Stoke City v Leeds United | L | 6-2 |
| League Division Two | 31 Aug 1985 | Leeds United v Charlton Athletic | L | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 04 Sep 1985 | Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 07 Sep 1985 | Shrewsbury Town v Leeds United | W | 1-3 |
| League Division Two | 14 Sep 1985 | Leeds United v Sunderland | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 21 Sep 1985 | Leeds United v Bradford City | W | 2-1 |
| League Cup | 25 Sep 1985 | Leeds United v Walsall | D | 0-0 |
| League Division Two | 28 Sep 1985 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 05 Oct 1985 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Cup | 07 Oct 1985 | Walsall v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| League Division Two | 12 Oct 1985 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 1-0 |
| Full Members Cup | 14 Oct 1985 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 6-1 |
| Full Members Cup | 16 Oct 1985 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 19 Oct 1985 | Leeds United v Grimsby Town | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 27 Oct 1985 | Barnsley v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| League Cup | 30 Oct 1985 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | L | 0-3 |
| League Division Two | 02 Nov 1985 | Leeds United v Portsmouth | W | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 09 Nov 1985 | Millwall v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 16 Nov 1985 | Leeds United v Crystal Palace | L | 1-3 |
| League Division Two | 23 Nov 1985 | Carlisle United v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division Two | 30 Nov 1985 | Leeds United v Norwich City | L | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 07 Dec 1985 | Wimbledon v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| League Division Two | 14 Dec 1985 | Leeds United v Fulham | W | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 22 Dec 1985 | Hull City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| League Division Two | 26 Dec 1985 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 28 Dec 1985 | Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion | L | 2-3 |
| League Division Two | 01 Jan 1986 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | W | 3-1 |
| FA Cup | 04 Jan 1986 | Peterborough United v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 11 Jan 1986 | Sunderland v Leeds United | L | 4-2 |
| League Division Two | 18 Jan 1986 | Charlton Athletic v Leeds United | L | 4-0 |
| League Division Two | 01 Feb 1986 | Leeds United v Stoke City | W | 4-0 |
| League Division Two | 08 Feb 1986 | Grimsby Town v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division Two | 15 Feb 1986 | Leeds United v Barnsley | L | 0-2 |
| League Division Two | 08 Mar 1986 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 15 Mar 1986 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division Two | 22 Mar 1986 | Leeds United v Shrewsbury Town | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 28 Mar 1986 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 31 Mar 1986 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | D | 1-1 |
| League Division Two | 05 Apr 1986 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | W | 2-3 |
| League Division Two | 09 Apr 1986 | Bradford City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division Two | 12 Apr 1986 | Leeds United v Millwall | W | 3-1 |
| League Division Two | 19 Apr 1986 | Crystal Palace v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| League Division Two | 22 Apr 1986 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| League Division Two | 26 Apr 1986 | Leeds United v Carlisle United | W | 2-0 |
| League Division Two | 03 May 1986 | Norwich City v Leeds United | L | 4-0 |
