The 1998-99 season marked a significant chapter in Leeds United’s history, with the team finishing 4th in the Premier League and demonstrating impressive performances throughout the year.
Premier League Performance
Leeds United finished the season in 4th position, securing a total of 62 goals. This achievement highlighted the team’s attacking prowess and strong squad depth, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.
Top Scorer: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Once again, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink emerged as Leeds’ top scorer, netting 20 goals throughout the season. His consistent scoring ability was crucial for the team, solidifying his reputation as one of the top strikers in the league.
Domestic Cup Competitions
In the FA Cup, Leeds United reached the fifth round, demonstrating their competitive edge in knockout competitions. However, their journey in the League Cup ended in the fourth round, reflecting the challenges faced in securing silverware during the season.
European Campaign
Leeds United’s European adventure saw them face AS Roma in the second round of the UEFA Cup. In the first leg, played in Italy, Leeds fell to a narrow defeat, losing 1-0. The return leg at Elland Road also ended in a 0-0, eliminating them from the competition.
Managerial Changes
On 1 October 1998, a significant shift occurred when George Graham resigned as manager after two years in charge, opting to take the managerial position at Tottenham Hotspur. This left a crucial gap in the leadership of the team.
Following Graham’s departure, on 25 October 1998, Leicester City confirmed that manager Martin O’Neill would not be moving to Leeds. Consequently, David O’Leary, previously the assistant manager at Elland Road, was appointed as the caretaker manager on a permanent basis. This change marked a new era for the club, with O’Leary looking to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor.
Conclusion
The 1998-99 season was a remarkable campaign for Leeds United, with strong league performance and memorable moments. Despite the challenges faced in domestic and European competitions, the season set the stage for future successes, and with O’Leary at the helm, Leeds aimed to rise further in English football.
Premier League 1998-99 Season
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester United (C) | 38 | 22 | 13 | 3 | 80 | 37 | +43 | 79 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 38 | 22 | 12 | 4 | 59 | 17 | +42 | 78 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 38 | 20 | 15 | 3 | 57 | 30 | +27 | 75 |
| 4 | Leeds United | 38 | 18 | 13 | 7 | 62 | 34 | +28 | 67 |
| 5 | West Ham United | 38 | 16 | 9 | 13 | 46 | 53 | −7 | 57 |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 38 | 15 | 10 | 13 | 51 | 46 | +5 | 55 |
| 7 | Liverpool | 38 | 15 | 9 | 14 | 68 | 49 | +19 | 54 |
| 8 | Derby County | 38 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 40 | 45 | −5 | 52 |
| 9 | Middlesbrough | 38 | 12 | 15 | 11 | 48 | 54 | −6 | 51 |
| 10 | Leicester City | 38 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 40 | 46 | −6 | 49 |
| 11 | Tottenham Hotspur | 38 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 47 | 50 | −3 | 47 |
| 12 | Sheffield Wednesday | 38 | 13 | 7 | 18 | 41 | 42 | −1 | 46 |
| 13 | Newcastle United | 38 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 48 | 54 | −6 | 46 |
| 14 | Everton | 38 | 11 | 10 | 17 | 42 | 47 | −5 | 43 |
| 15 | Coventry City | 38 | 11 | 9 | 18 | 39 | 51 | −12 | 42 |
| 16 | Wimbledon | 38 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 40 | 63 | −23 | 42 |
| 17 | Southampton | 38 | 11 | 8 | 19 | 37 | 64 | −27 | 41 |
| 18 | Charlton Athletic (R) | 38 | 8 | 12 | 18 | 41 | 56 | −15 | 36 |
| 19 | Blackburn Rovers (R) | 38 | 7 | 14 | 17 | 38 | 52 | −14 | 35 |
| 20 | Nottingham Forest (R) | 38 | 7 | 9 | 22 | 35 | 69 | −34 | 30 |
Leeds United 1998-99 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 15 Aug 1998 | Middlesbrough v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 24 Aug 1998 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | W | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 29 Aug 1998 | Wimbledon v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| Premier League | 08 Sep 1998 | Leeds United v Southampton | W | 3-0 |
| Premier League | 12 Sep 1998 | Everton v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| UEFA Cup | 15 Sep 1998 | Leeds United v Maritimo | W | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 19 Sep 1998 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | D | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 26 Sep 1998 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | D | 3-3 |
| UEFA Cup | 29 Sep 1998 | Maritimo v Leeds United | L | 1-0 Agg: 1-1 |
| Premier League | 03 Oct 1998 | Leeds United v Leicester City | L | 0-1 |
| Premier League | 17 Oct 1998 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| UEFA Cup | 20 Oct 1998 | AS Roma v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 25 Oct 1998 | Leeds United v Chelsea | D | 0-0 |
| League Cup | 28 Oct 1998 | Leeds United v Bradford City | W | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 31 Oct 1998 | Derby County v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| UEFA Cup | 03 Nov 1998 | Leeds United v AS Roma | D | 0-0 Agg: 0-1 |
| Premier League | 08 Nov 1998 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | W | 2-1 |
| League Cup | 11 Nov 1998 | Leicester City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 14 Nov 1998 | Liverpool v Leeds United | W | 1-3 |
| Premier League | 21 Nov 1998 | Leeds United v Charlton Athletic | W | 4-1 |
| Premier League | 29 Nov 1998 | Manchester United v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| Premier League | 05 Dec 1998 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 4-0 |
| Premier League | 14 Dec 1998 | Leeds United v Coventry City | W | 2-0 |
| Premier League | 20 Dec 1998 | Arsenal v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| Premier League | 26 Dec 1998 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| Premier League | 29 Dec 1998 | Leeds United v Wimbledon | D | 2-2 |
| FA Cup | 02 Jan 1999 | Rushden and Diamonds v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 09 Jan 1999 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| FA Cup | 13 Jan 1999 | Leeds United v Rushden and Diamonds | W | 3-1 |
| Premier League | 16 Jan 1999 | Leeds United v Middlesbrough | W | 2-0 |
| FA Cup | 23 Jan 1999 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | W | 1-5 |
| Premier League | 30 Jan 1999 | Southampton v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| Premier League | 06 Feb 1999 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | L | 0-1 |
| FA Cup | 13 Feb 1999 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | D | 1-1 |
| Premier League | 17 Feb 1999 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| Premier League | 20 Feb 1999 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 1-0 |
| FA Cup | 24 Feb 1999 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| Premier League | 01 Mar 1999 | Leicester City v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| Premier League | 10 Mar 1999 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | W | 2-0 |
| Premier League | 13 Mar 1999 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| Premier League | 20 Mar 1999 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 4-1 |
| Premier League | 03 Apr 1999 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | W | 3-1 |
| Premier League | 12 Apr 1999 | Leeds United v Liverpool | D | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 17 Apr 1999 | Charlton Athletic v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| Premier League | 25 Apr 1999 | Leeds United v Manchester United | D | 1-1 |
| Premier League | 01 May 1999 | West Ham United v Leeds United | W | 1-5 |
| Premier League | 05 May 1999 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 11 May 1999 | Leeds United v Arsenal | W | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 16 May 1999 | Coventry City v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
