The 2007-08 season was a challenging chapter for Leeds United, as the club navigated the ups and downs of League One with resilience and determination. After finishing in 5th place, Leeds secured a spot in the playoffs for a chance to return to the Championship, only to face disappointment in the final.
A Rocky Start
The season began with significant uncertainty surrounding the club’s future. After enduring a tumultuous period that saw them deep in debt and facing expulsion from the Football League, Leeds was handed a 15-point deduction. Despite the odds stacked against them, the team surprised many by winning their first seven matches, effectively nullifying the impact of the points penalty.
Managerial Changes
The season saw notable shifts in management. Dennis Wise started the campaign but left the club on January 28. He was briefly succeeded by Gwyn Williams as caretaker manager. However, it was Gary McAllister who took the helm from January 29, aiming to steady the ship. McAllister’s return was met with hope, but he faced challenges in maintaining consistent form.
Key Player: Jermaine Beckford
One of the standout performers of the season was Jermaine Beckford, who emerged as the team’s top scorer with 20 goals. His remarkable talent not only secured vital points for Leeds but also earned him the title of League One Player of the Year. Beckford’s contribution was critical as the team sought to regain their status in the second tier of English football.
The Playoff Journey
Leeds United’s late surge in form allowed them to clinch a playoff spot. In the semi-finals, they faced Carlisle United and triumphed over two legs, setting up a crucial final at Wembley Stadium against Doncaster Rovers. Unfortunately, Leeds fell short, losing 1-0, which meant they would spend another season in League One.
Attendance and Fan Support
Despite the challenges, Leeds United boasted the highest attendance figures in the country outside the Premier League. A notable highlight was their thrilling 2-1 victory over Gillingham in May, where fans flocked to support their team, demonstrating unwavering loyalty even in tough times.
Conclusion
The 2007-08 season was a mix of triumph and heartache for Leeds United. Despite the setbacks and managerial changes, the club showcased resilience, culminating in a playoff run that kept hopes alive for promotion. With talents like Jermaine Beckford leading the charge, Leeds aimed to rise from the challenges of League One and reclaim their place among the elite in English football.
League One Standings 2007-08
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swansea City (C, P) | 46 | 27 | 11 | 8 | 82 | 42 | +40 | 92 |
| 2 | Nottingham Forest (P) | 46 | 22 | 16 | 8 | 64 | 32 | +32 | 82 |
| 3 | Doncaster Rovers (O, P) | 46 | 23 | 11 | 12 | 65 | 41 | +24 | 80 |
| 4 | Carlisle United | 46 | 23 | 11 | 12 | 64 | 46 | +18 | 80 |
| 5 | Leeds United | 46 | 27 | 10 | 9 | 72 | 38 | +34 | 76 |
| 6 | Southend United | 46 | 22 | 10 | 14 | 70 | 55 | +15 | 76 |
| 7 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 46 | 19 | 12 | 15 | 58 | 50 | +8 | 69 |
| 8 | Oldham Athletic | 46 | 18 | 13 | 15 | 58 | 45 | +13 | 67 |
| 9 | Northampton Town | 46 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 60 | 55 | +5 | 66 |
| 10 | Huddersfield Town | 46 | 20 | 6 | 20 | 50 | 62 | −12 | 66 |
| 11 | Tranmere Rovers | 46 | 18 | 11 | 17 | 52 | 47 | +5 | 65 |
| 12 | Walsall | 46 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 52 | 46 | +6 | 64 |
| 13 | Swindon Town | 46 | 16 | 13 | 17 | 63 | 56 | +7 | 61 |
| 14 | Leyton Orient | 46 | 16 | 12 | 18 | 49 | 63 | −14 | 60 |
| 15 | Hartlepool United | 46 | 15 | 9 | 22 | 62 | 65 | −3 | 54 |
| 16 | Bristol Rovers | 46 | 12 | 17 | 17 | 45 | 53 | −8 | 53 |
| 17 | Millwall | 46 | 14 | 10 | 22 | 45 | 61 | −16 | 52 |
| 18 | Yeovil Town | 46 | 14 | 10 | 22 | 38 | 59 | −21 | 52 |
| 19 | Cheltenham Town | 46 | 13 | 12 | 21 | 42 | 64 | −22 | 51 |
| 20 | Crewe Alexandra | 46 | 12 | 14 | 20 | 47 | 65 | −18 | 50 |
| 21 | AFC Bournemouth (R) | 46 | 17 | 7 | 22 | 62 | 72 | −10 | 48 |
| 22 | Gillingham (R) | 46 | 11 | 13 | 22 | 44 | 73 | −29 | 46 |
| 23 | Port Vale (R) | 46 | 9 | 11 | 26 | 47 | 81 | −34 | 38 |
| 24 | Luton Town (R) | 46 | 11 | 10 | 25 | 43 | 63 | −20 | 33 |
Leeds United 2007-08 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League One | 11 Aug 2007 | Tranmere Rovers v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Cup | 14 Aug 2007 | Macclesfield Town v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League One | 18 Aug 2007 | Leeds United v Southend United | W | 4-1 |
| League One | 25 Aug 2007 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Cup | 28 Aug 2007 | Portsmouth v Leeds United | L | 3-0 |
| League One | 01 Sep 2007 | Leeds United v Luton Town | W | 1-0 |
| League One | 08 Sep 2007 | Leeds United v Hartlepool United | W | 2-0 |
| League One | 14 Sep 2007 | Bristol Rovers v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| League One | 22 Sep 2007 | Leeds United v Swansea City | W | 2-0 |
| League One | 29 Sep 2007 | Gillingham v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League One | 02 Oct 2007 | Oldham Athletic v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League One | 06 Oct 2007 | Leeds United v Yeovil Town | W | 1-0 |
| Johnstones Paint Trophy | 09 Oct 2007 | Darlington v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League One | 13 Oct 2007 | Leeds United v Leyton Orient | D | 1-1 |
| League One | 20 Oct 2007 | Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League One | 27 Oct 2007 | Leeds United v Millwall | W | 4-2 |
| League One | 03 Nov 2007 | Carlisle United v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League One | 06 Nov 2007 | AFC Bournemouth v Leeds United | W | 1-3 |
| FA Cup | 09 Nov 2007 | Hereford United v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| Johnstones Paint Trophy | 13 Nov 2007 | Leeds United v Bury | L | 1-2 |
| League One | 17 Nov 2007 | Leeds United v Swindon Town | W | 2-1 |
| FA Cup | 20 Nov 2007 | Leeds United v Hereford United | L | 0-1 |
| League One | 25 Nov 2007 | Cheltenham Town v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League One | 04 Dec 2007 | Leeds United v Port Vale | W | 3-0 |
| League One | 08 Dec 2007 | Leeds United v Huddersfield Town | W | 4-0 |
| League One | 15 Dec 2007 | Walsall v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League One | 22 Dec 2007 | Leeds United v Bristol Rovers | W | 1-0 |
| League One | 26 Dec 2007 | Hartlepool United v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League One | 29 Dec 2007 | Swansea City v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| League One | 01 Jan 2008 | Leeds United v Oldham Athletic | L | 1-3 |
| League One | 05 Jan 2008 | Leeds United v Northampton Town | W | 3-0 |
| League One | 14 Jan 2008 | Crewe Alexandra v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League One | 19 Jan 2008 | Leeds United v Doncaster Rovers | L | 0-1 |
| League One | 26 Jan 2008 | Luton Town v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League One | 29 Jan 2008 | Southend United v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League One | 02 Feb 2008 | Leeds United v Tranmere Rovers | L | 0-2 |
| League One | 09 Feb 2008 | Northampton Town v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League One | 12 Feb 2008 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | D | 1-1 |
| League One | 23 Feb 2008 | Leeds United v Crewe Alexandra | D | 1-1 |
| League One | 01 Mar 2008 | Swindon Town v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League One | 08 Mar 2008 | Leeds United v AFC Bournemouth | W | 2-0 |
| League One | 11 Mar 2008 | Leeds United v Cheltenham Town | L | 1-2 |
| League One | 15 Mar 2008 | Port Vale v Leeds United | D | 3-3 |
| League One | 22 Mar 2008 | Leeds United v Walsall | W | 2-0 |
| League One | 29 Mar 2008 | Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion | D | 0-0 |
| League One | 01 Apr 2008 | Doncaster Rovers v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League One | 05 Apr 2008 | Leyton Orient v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League One | 12 Apr 2008 | Leeds United v Carlisle United | W | 3-2 |
| League One | 15 Apr 2008 | Huddersfield Town v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League One | 19 Apr 2008 | Millwall v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League One | 25 Apr 2008 | Yeovil Town v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League One | 03 May 2008 | Leeds United v Gillingham | W | 2-1 |
| League One Play-Offs | 12 May 2008 | Leeds United v Carlisle United | L | 1-2 |
| League One Play-Offs | 15 May 2008 | Carlisle United v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League One Play-Offs | 25 May 2008 | Doncaster Rovers v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
