Leeds United had a remarkable 1997-98 season under manager George Graham, finishing in a commendable 5th position in the Premier League and qualifying for European competition. This marked a significant turnaround for the club, igniting excitement among fans who yearned for a return to the European stage.
Key Signings That Changed the Season
One of the pivotal moments for Leeds United in the 1997-98 season was the signing of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for £2,000,000 from Boavista. The Dutch striker made an instant impact, becoming the club’s top scorer with an impressive 22 goals throughout the season. His ability to find the back of the net consistently was crucial in propelling Leeds towards their successful campaign.
Player Signings Table
| Date | Position | Name | From | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 June 1997 | FW | Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Boavista (Portugal) | £2,000,000 |
| 12 June 1997 | DF | Alf-Inge Haaland | Nottingham Forest (England) | £1,600,000 |
| 18 June 1997 | MF | Bruno Ribeiro | Vitória (Portugal) | £500,000 |
| 21 July 1997 | MF | David Hopkin | Crystal Palace (England) | £3,250,000 |
| 25 February 1998 | DF | Martin Hiden | Rapid Vienna (Austria) | £1,300,000 |
| 16 May 1998 | FW | Clyde Wijnhard | Willem II (Netherlands) | £1,500,000 |
European Competition: A Long-Awaited Return
Leeds United’s return to European football was a major highlight of the 1997-98 season. The club had not competed in Europe for several years, and the fans were eager to see their team back on this prestigious stage. Under Graham’s guidance, Leeds showcased a strong performance, demonstrating resilience and tactical prowess throughout the campaign.
A Somber Moment in December
The season also brought a poignant moment for the club when former Leeds United and Scotland midfielder Billy Bremner sadly passed away at the age of 54 in December 1997 due to a heart attack. Bremner was a beloved figure at Leeds and his contributions to the club’s history were deeply cherished by fans. His legacy continued to inspire players and supporters alike during this successful season.
Conclusion
The 1997-98 season was a watershed moment for Leeds United, marked by significant player signings, a strong league performance, and a return to European competition. With the influence of manager George Graham and key players like Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, the club looked poised for future successes, rekindling the hopes of its loyal fanbase.
Premier League 1997-98 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal (C) | 38 | 23 | 9 | 6 | 68 | 33 | +35 | 78 |
| 2 | Manchester United | 38 | 23 | 8 | 7 | 73 | 26 | +47 | 77 |
| 3 | Liverpool | 38 | 18 | 11 | 9 | 68 | 42 | +26 | 65 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 38 | 20 | 3 | 15 | 71 | 43 | +28 | 63 |
| 5 | Leeds United | 38 | 17 | 8 | 13 | 57 | 46 | +11 | 59 |
| 6 | Blackburn Rovers | 38 | 16 | 10 | 12 | 57 | 52 | +5 | 58 |
| 7 | Aston Villa | 38 | 17 | 6 | 15 | 49 | 48 | +1 | 57 |
| 8 | West Ham United | 38 | 16 | 8 | 14 | 56 | 57 | −1 | 56 |
| 9 | Derby County | 38 | 16 | 7 | 15 | 52 | 49 | +3 | 55 |
| 10 | Leicester City | 38 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 51 | 41 | +10 | 53 |
| 11 | Coventry City | 38 | 12 | 16 | 10 | 46 | 44 | +2 | 52 |
| 12 | Southampton | 38 | 14 | 6 | 18 | 50 | 55 | −5 | 48 |
| 13 | Newcastle United | 38 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 35 | 44 | −9 | 44 |
| 14 | Tottenham Hotspur | 38 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 44 | 56 | −12 | 44 |
| 15 | Wimbledon | 38 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 34 | 46 | −12 | 44 |
| 16 | Sheffield Wednesday | 38 | 12 | 8 | 18 | 52 | 67 | −15 | 44 |
| 17 | Everton | 38 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 41 | 56 | −15 | 40 |
| 18 | Bolton Wanderers (R) | 38 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 41 | 61 | −20 | 40 |
| 19 | Barnsley (R) | 38 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 37 | 82 | −45 | 35 |
| 20 | Crystal Palace (R) | 38 | 8 | 9 | 21 | 37 | 71 | −34 | 33 |
Leeds United 1997-98 Fixtures and Results
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09 Aug 1997 | Leeds United v Arsenal | D | 1-1 | Premier League |
| 13 Aug 1997 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | W | 1-3 | Premier League |
| 23 Aug 1997 | Leeds United v Crystal Palace | L | 0-2 | Premier League |
| 26 Aug 1997 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 0-2 | Premier League |
| 30 Aug 1997 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | Premier League |
| 14 Sep 1997 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | W | 3-4 | Premier League |
| 17 Sep 1997 | Leeds United v Bristol City | W | 3-1 | League Cup |
| 20 Sep 1997 | Leeds United v Leicester City | L | 0-1 | Premier League |
| 24 Sep 1997 | Southampton v Leeds United | W | 0-2 | Premier League |
| 27 Sep 1997 | Leeds United v Manchester United | W | 1-0 | Premier League |
| 30 Sep 1997 | Bristol City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Cup |
| 04 Oct 1997 | Coventry City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | Premier League |
| 15 Oct 1997 | Stoke City v Leeds United | W | 1-3 | League Cup |
| 18 Oct 1997 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 4-1 | Premier League |
| 25 Oct 1997 | Wimbledon v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | Premier League |
| 01 Nov 1997 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | Premier League |
| 08 Nov 1997 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 4-3 | Premier League |
| 18 Nov 1997 | Leeds United v Reading | L | 2-3 | League Cup |
| 23 Nov 1997 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 3-1 | Premier League |
| 29 Nov 1997 | Barnsley v Leeds United | W | 2-3 | Premier League |
| 06 Dec 1997 | Leeds United v Everton | D | 0-0 | Premier League |
| 13 Dec 1997 | Chelsea v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | Premier League |
| 20 Dec 1997 | Leeds United v Bolton Wanderers | W | 2-0 | Premier League |
| 26 Dec 1997 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 3-1 | Premier League |
| 28 Dec 1997 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | D | 1-1 | Premier League |
| 03 Jan 1998 | Leeds United v Oxford United | W | 4-0 | FA Cup |
| 10 Jan 1998 | Arsenal v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | Premier League |
| 17 Jan 1998 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | L | 1-2 | Premier League |
| 24 Jan 1998 | Leeds United v Grimsby Town | W | 2-0 | FA Cup |
| 31 Jan 1998 | Crystal Palace v Leeds United | W | 0-2 | Premier League |
| 07 Feb 1998 | Leicester City v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | Premier League |
| 14 Feb 1998 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | W | 3-2 | FA Cup |
| 22 Feb 1998 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | Premier League |
| 28 Feb 1998 | Leeds United v Southampton | L | 0-1 | Premier League |
| 04 Mar 1998 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | W | 1-0 | Premier League |
| 07 Mar 1998 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | L | 0-1 | FA Cup |
| 11 Mar 1998 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | W | 4-0 | Premier League |
| 15 Mar 1998 | Derby County v Leeds United | W | 0-5 | Premier League |
| 30 Mar 1998 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | Premier League |
| 04 Apr 1998 | Leeds United v Barnsley | W | 2-1 | Premier League |
| 08 Apr 1998 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 3-1 | Premier League |
| 11 Apr 1998 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 2-0 | Premier League |
| 18 Apr 1998 | Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United | W | 2-3 | Premier League |
| 25 Apr 1998 | Leeds United v Coventry City | D | 3-3 | Premier League |
| 04 May 1998 | Manchester United v Leeds United | L | 3-0 | Premier League |
| 10 May 1998 | Leeds United v Wimbledon | D | 1-1 | Premier League |
