Leeds United F.C.

{{Main|History of Leeds United F.C.}}

File:Blue plaque, Salem Chapel, Leeds (19th July 2014).JPG

Leeds United's predecessor, Leeds City, was formed in 1904,{{cite web |url= https://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/the-remarkable-story-of-leeds-city/172864 |title= The story of Leeds City: Why the club before Leeds United were expelled from the Football League |date= October 17, 2019|work= sportinglife.com |author= Tom Carnduff |access-date= 23 January 2024}} and elected to League membership in 1905. Herbert Chapman arrived in 1912. In 1919, Leeds City were forcibly disbanded by the Football League, in response to allegations of illegal payments to players during the First World War. At Salem Chapel in 1919, Leeds United was formed,{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/heritage-honour-for-birthplace-of-leeds-united-1-3968438 |title=Heritage honour for birthplace of Leeds United |first=Paul |last=Robinson |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |location=Leeds |date=15 November 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170824180807/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/heritage-honour-for-birthplace-of-leeds-united-1-3968438 |archive-date=24 August 2017}}{{Cite web |url=http://openplaques.org/plaques/41093 |title=Salem Chapel, Leeds, Parsons, W. Hudswell, Smith, and 3 others |publisher=Open Plaques |access-date=2017-08-23}} and they received an invitation to enter the Midland League, being voted into it on 31 October 1919,{{cite web |url= https://www.thenationalfootballcollection.org.uk/leeds-united-afc-share-certificate-december-1920/ |title= Leeds United AFC Share Certificate December 1920 |date= 1920|work= thenationalfootballcollection.org.uk |access-date= 23 January 2024}} taking the place vacated by Leeds City Reserves. Following Leeds City's disbanding, Yorkshire Amateurs bought Elland Road stadium, and then sold it to Leeds United for £250.{{cite web |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/yorkshire-amateurs-looking-to-play-their-way-out-of-trouble-with-youth-policy-aimed-at-being-leeds-hub-4301266 |title= Yorkshire Amateurs looking to play their way out of trouble with youth policy aimed at being Leeds 'hub' |date= September 17, 2023|work= yorkshirepost.co.uk |author=Stuart Raynor |access-date= 23 January 2024}}

The chairman of Huddersfield Town, Hilton Crowther loaned Leeds United £{{formatnum:35000}}, to be repaid when Leeds United won promotion to the First Division. He brought in former Barnsley manager Arthur Fairclough taking charge on 26 February 1920, replacing Dick Ray.{{cite web |url= https://www.vintagefootballers.com/product/fairclough-arthur-image-1-barnsley-1904/ |title= Fairclough Arthur Image 1 Barnsley Manager 1904 |date= 1904|work= vintagefootballers.com |access-date= 23 January 2024}}

File:Leeds United 1920-21.jpg

On 31 May 1920, Leeds United were elected to the Football League. Over the following years, they consolidated their position in the Second Division and in the 1923–24 season won the title and with it promotion to the First Division. however, they failed to establish themselves and were relegated in 1926–27. After their relegation, Fairclough resigned, which paved the way for Dick Ray to return as manager.{{cite web |url= https://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1524&teamTabs=managers |title= Soccerbase - Leeds Managers |date= 23 January 2024|work= soccerbase.com|access-date= 23 January 2024}} In the years up until the start of World War II Leeds were twice relegated; on both occasions they were re-promoted the following season.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

On 5 March 1935, Dick Ray resigned after 8 years being manager, and was replaced by Billy Hampson, who remained in charge for 12 years. In the 1946–47 season after the war, Leeds were relegated again, with the worst league record in their history. After this season, Hampson resigned (he stayed with Leeds as their chief scout for eight months) and was replaced in April 1947 by Willis Edwards. In 1948, Sam Bolton replaced Ernest Pullan as the chairman of Leeds United. Edwards was moved to assistant manager in April 1948 after just one year as manager. He was replaced by Frank Buckley.

Leeds remained in the Second Division until 1955–56, when they once again won promotion to the First Division, inspired by John Charles. Charles was hungry for success at the highest level, and manager Raich Carter was unable to convince him that Leeds could satisfy his ambitions. Charles was sold to Juventus for a then world record of £65,000. The loss of Charles resulted in Leeds being relegated to the Second Division in the 1959–60 season.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} On 30 November 1957, Gerry Francis became Leeds' first black player.{{cite book |last1=Hern |first1=Bill |last2=Gleave |first2=David |title=Football's Black Pioneers |date=2020 |publisher=Conker Editions |location=Leicester |isbn=9781999900854 |pages=168–169}}

File:Don Revie statue, Elland Road.jpg]]

In March 1961, the club appointed former player Don Revie as manager, following the resignation of Jack Taylor. His stewardship began in adverse circumstances; the club was "in financial difficulty"{{cite web |url=http://www.ozwhitelufc.net.au/1957-1963.php |title=1961–62 |website=Leeds United F.C. History |publisher=Tony Hill |access-date=26 November 2006}} and in 1961–62 only a win in the final game of the season saved the club from relegation to the Third Division.{{cite web |url=http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/seasons/196162part2.htm |title=The Definitive History of Leeds United – Review of 1961–62 Part 2 – The Difference |website=The Definitive History of Leeds United |publisher=Dave Tomlinson |access-date=14 August 2019}} Revie implemented a youth policy and a change of kit colour to an all-white strip in the style of Real Madrid,{{Cite news |last=Corbett |first=James |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/nov/25/football.newsstory |title=James Corbett on Don Revie |date=25 November 2007 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |access-date=14 August 2019}} and Leeds won promotion to the First Division in 1963–64.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

In the 1964–65 season, Leeds finished second to rivals Manchester United on goal average.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie:revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=76 |oclc=659245787}} They also reached the final of the FA Cup, losing 2–1 to Liverpool at Wembley after extra-time. In the 1965–66 season, Leeds again finished second in the league,{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/leeds-united/tab/leagueTables/1966/ |title=Leeds United league performance history: League Division One table at close of 1965–66 season |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=12 August 2019}} whilst also reaching the semi-finals of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, losing on aggregate to Spanish side Real Zaragoza despite manager Revie ordering the fire brigade to flood the pitch before the replay at Elland Road.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=82 |oclc=659245787}}

The 1966–67 season saw Leeds finish fourth in the league, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing 1–0 to Chelsea and the final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, losing 2–0 to GNK Dinamo Zagreb.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=656 |title=FA Cup Betting {{!}} 1966/67 {{!}} Soccer Base |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=12 August 2019}}

With Leeds failing to land a trophy, they nearly doubled their record transfer in 1967–68, buying Sheffield United centre-forward Mick Jones for £100,000.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=89 |oclc=659245787}} The season saw Leeds win their first major trophy, the League Cup, with Terry Cooper scoring the only goal of a 1–0 victory against Arsenal in the final.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=518# |title=English League Cup Betting {{!}} 1967/68 |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=12 August 2019}} Leeds finished fourth in the First Division and were beaten in the FA Cup semi-finals by Everton.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1967-68.html |title=England 1967/68 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=13 August 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/engcup1968.html |title=England – FA Challenge Cup 1967–1968 |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |access-date=13 August 2019}} They also reached a second successive Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final and this time won the trophy, beating Hungarian club Ferencváros over two legs; Leeds won the first leg 1–0, and a month later defended their lead with a 0–0 draw in Budapest.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec196768.html |title=European Competitions 1967–68 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=11 August 2019}}

Having found success in both domestic and European cup competitions, manager Revie chose to focus on the league for the 1968–69 season.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=113 |oclc=659245787}} Leeds secured the title in April 1969 with a 0–0 draw with challengers Liverpool at Anfield, whose supporters congratulated Leeds.{{cite web |url=http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/seasons/196869part2.htm |title=The Definitive History of Leeds United – 1968/69 – Part 2 – Champions |website=The Definitive History of Leeds United |publisher=Dave Tomlinson |access-date=11 August 2019}} Leeds set a number of records including most points (67), most wins (27), fewest defeats (2), and most home points (39); a still-unbroken club record is their 34 match unbeaten run that extended into the following season.{{cite web |url=http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/seasons/196869part2.htm |title=The Definitive History of Leeds United – 1968/69 – Part 2 – Champions |website=The Definitive History of Leeds United |publisher=Dave Tomlinson |access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/unb-leeds-34.html |title=Leeds United FC's series of 34 matches unbeaten in Division One |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=11 August 2019}} Leeds reinforced their front line breaking the British transfer record by signing Allan Clarke from Leicester City for £165,000.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=119 |oclc=659245787}} They targeted the treble in 1969–70 and came close to achieving this, only to fail on all three fronts in a congested close season, finishing second in the league to Everton, losing the 1970 FA Cup final to Chelsea (after a replay), and exiting the European Cup with a semi-final defeat to Celtic.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=120 |oclc=659245787}}

Having rejected an offer to manage Birmingham City, Revie chose to remain at Leeds for the 1970–71 season.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=129 |oclc=659245787}} Leeds and Arsenal both challenged for the title that season, though it would be the Gunners who would claim the league title, finishing one point ahead of Leeds after the latter lost to West Bromwich Albion following a controversial "offside" goal.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=130 |oclc=659245787}} United were also knocked out of the FA Cup by Fourth Division side Colchester United.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=132 |oclc=659245787}} Leeds again found success in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup though, beating Juventus in the final on away goals.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec197071.html |title=European Competitions 1970–71 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=11 August 2019}} Leeds again finished as runners-up in the 1971–72 season, but United did reach the 1972 FA Cup final, lifting the trophy after a 1–0 victory over Arsenal in the final.{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/leeds-united/tab/leagueTables/1972/ |title=Leeds United league performance history: League Division One table at close of 1971–72 season |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=651 |title=FA Cup 1971/72 |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=12 August 2019}}

In the 1972–73 season, the Whites again came close to a Treble, but they finished third in the league, losing the 1973 FA Cup final to Second Division Sunderland 1–0 against all expectations,{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/leeds-united/tab/leagueTables/1973/ |title=Leeds United league performance history: League Division One table at close of 1972–73 season |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/matches/19730505.htm |title=The Definitive History of Leeds United – Matches – 5 May 1973 – Leeds United 0 Sunderland 1 |website=The Definitive History of Leeds United |publisher=Dave Tomlinson |access-date=11 August 2019}} and reached the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup against Italian club AC Milan at the Kaftanzoglio Stadium, where they were beaten 1–0 following some controversial refereeing by Christos Michas who was later banned by UEFA for 'fixing' other matches.{{Cite book |last=Sutcliffe, Richard. |title=Revie : revered and reviled |date=2010 |publisher=Great Northern |isbn=9781905080786 |location=Ilkley |page=178 |oclc=659245787}} Revie was offered the managers role at Everton in the summer, but chose to remain at Leeds. The following season, they won the 1973–74 First Division with a five-point lead over second-placed Liverpool.{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/leeds-united/tab/leagueTables/1974/ |title=Leeds United league performance history: League Division One table at close of 1973–74 season |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=12 August 2019}} Revie chose to take the job of England national team manager at the end of the 1973–74 season.{{Cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uZFAAAAAIBAJ&pg=5610,924205&dq=don-revie&hl=en |title=Revie agrees to manage England |date=4 July 1974 |newspaper=The Glasgow Herald |access-date=11 August 2019}}

In his 13 years in charge, Revie guided Leeds to two Football League First Division titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, one Football League Second Division title and one Charity Shield. He also guided them to three more FA Cup Finals, two more FA Cup Semi-finals, one more Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Final and one Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Semi-final, one European Cup Winners' Cup Final and one European Cup Semi-final. The team also finished second in the Football League First Division five times, third once and fourth twice. In a survey of leading football writers, historians and academics by Total Sport magazine, Revie's Leeds United were voted as one of the 50 greatest football teams of all time.{{Cite magazine |date=March 1996 |title=The 50 greatest football teams |magazine=Total Sport Magazine |publisher=Mappin Publishing |issue=3}}

Following the 1973–74 season, Revie left Leeds and Elland Road to manage the England national team. Brian Clough was appointed as Revie's successor. This was a surprise appointment, as Clough had been an outspoken critic of Revie and the team's tactics.{{cite news |url=http://sport.scotsman.com/brianclough/The-manager-with-the-Midas.2565879.jp |title=The manager with the Midas touch |last=Lappin |first=Tom |date=21 September 2004 |newspaper=The Scotsman |location=Edinburgh |access-date=10 October 2008}} Clough's tenure as manager started badly, with defeat in the Charity Shield against Liverpool in which Billy Bremner and Kevin Keegan were sent off for fighting. Under Clough, the team performed poorly, and after only 44 days{{cite web |url= http://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/research/faculty/pdfs/hope_when_sack_manager.pdf |title=When should you sack the manager? (Page 17) |date=April 2002 |first=Chris |last=Hope |publisher=University of Cambridge |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030172911/http://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/research/faculty/pdfs/hope_when_sack_manager.pdf |archive-date=30 October 2008 |access-date=10 October 2008}} he was dismissed.

Clough was replaced by former England captain Jimmy Armfield. Armfield took Revie's ageing team to the final of the 1974–75 European Cup, in which they were defeated by Bayern Munich under controversial circumstances."Welcome To Elland Road", Les Rowley & James Brown (1999), IFG Publishing, {{ISBN|0-9536338-0-2}} Assisted by coach Don Howe, Armfield rebuilt Revie's team, and though it no longer dominated English football, it remained in the top ten for subsequent seasons. However, the board became impatient for success and dismissed Armfield in 1978, replacing him with Jock Stein, who also lasted just 44 days before leaving to manage Scotland. The board appointed Jimmy Adamson, but he was unable to stop the decline, and in 1980 Adamson resigned and was replaced by former player Allan Clarke. Despite spending freely on players, he was unable to stem the tide, and the club was relegated at the end of 1981–82. Clarke was replaced by former teammate Eddie Gray.

With no money to spend on team building, Gray concentrated on youth development, but was unable to guide them to promotion from the Second Division.{{cite web |url=http://www.ozwhitelufc.net.au/1982-1988.php |title=1983–84 |website=Leeds United F.C. History |publisher=Tony Hill |access-date=26 November 2006}} The board again became impatient and dismissed Gray in 1985, replacing him with another Revie teammate, Billy Bremner. Bremner found it just as difficult to achieve promotion, although Leeds reached the 1987 play-off final, but were defeated by Charlton Athletic. Leeds also endured a near miss in the FA Cup, losing out to Coventry City in the semi-finals.{{cite web |url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/626551 |title=The Big Match: FA Cup Semi-Final – Coventry V Leeds (1987) |publisher=British Film Institute |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926132645/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/626551 |archive-date=26 September 2008 |access-date=11 October 2008}}

In October 1988, with the team 21st in the Second Division, Bremner was fired to make way for Howard Wilkinson. Leeds avoided relegation that season, and in March 1989 signed Gordon Strachan from Manchester United for £300,000. The Scottish midfielder was named captain, and helped Leeds win the Second Division in 1989–90 and gain promotion back to the First Division.{{cite web |url=http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/leeds-united-fc/gordon-strachan-6929/league-appearances-for-leeds-united_a18389/ |title=Gordon Strachan – Leeds United |website=Sporting Heroes |access-date=27 December 2015}} Leeds finished fourth in 1990–91, and in the 1991–92 season they became champions of England for the third time. During the close season Leeds were founder members of the new Premier League, which became the top division of English football. However, the 1992–93 season saw Leeds exiting the Champions League in the early stages, and eventually finishing 17th in the league (having won no away matches in the league), narrowly avoiding relegation. Wilkinson's Leeds were unable to provide any consistent challenge for honours, and his position was not helped by a poor display in the 1996 League Cup final which Leeds lost to Aston Villa. Leeds could only finish 13th in 1995–96, and after a 4–0 home defeat by Manchester United early in 1996–97, Wilkinson had his contract terminated. One of the legacies of Wilkinson and youth coach Paul Hart was the development of Leeds United's youth academy, which has produced numerous talented footballers over the years.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

File:Billy Bremner Statue - Elland Road - geograph.org.uk - 624224.jpg, outside Elland Road sculpted by Frances Segelman]]

Leeds appointed George Graham as Wilkinson's successor. This appointment was controversial as Graham had previously received a one-year ban from The Football Association for receiving illegal payments from a football agent.{{cite web |url=http://www.ozwhitelufc.net.au/1996-2006.php |title=1996–97 |website=Leeds United F.C. History |publisher=Tony Hill |access-date=26 November 2006}} Graham made some astute purchases and also helped blood youngsters from Leeds' youth cup winning side. By the end of the 1997–98 season, Leeds had qualified for the following season's UEFA Cup. In October 1998, Graham left to become manager of Tottenham Hotspur, and Leeds opted to replace him with assistant manager David O'Leary.

Under O'Leary and assistant Eddie Gray, Leeds never finished outside the top five in the Premier League, and secured qualification for both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, enjoying cup runs to the semi-finals of both competitions. However, during the same period, the team's image was tarnished when players Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer were involved in an incident that left an Asian student in hospital with severe injuries. The resulting court case took nearly two years to resolve; Bowyer was cleared, but Woodgate convicted of affray and sentenced to community service. Additionally, in the UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray in Istanbul, two Leeds fans were stabbed to death before the game.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/703283.stm |title=Fans killed in Turkey violence |date=6 April 2000 |website=BBC News |access-date=17 September 2006}}{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/704680.stm |title=Turk 'admits' stabbing Leeds fan |date=7 April 2000 |website=BBC News |access-date=17 September 2006}}

Under chairman Peter Ridsdale, Leeds had taken out large loans against the prospect of the share of the TV rights and sponsorship revenues from Champions League qualification and subsequent progress in the competition. However, Leeds narrowly failed to qualify for the Champions League in two successive seasons, and as a consequence did not receive enough income to repay the loans. The first indication that the club was in financial trouble was the sale of Rio Ferdinand to Manchester United for approximately £30 million.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/3031461/United-unveil-30m-Ferdinand.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/3031461/United-unveil-30m-Ferdinand.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=United unveil £30m Ferdinand |date=22 July 2002 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=14 August 2019}}{{cbignore}} Ridsdale and O'Leary publicly fell out over the sale, and O'Leary was dismissed on 27 June 2002, and replaced by former England manager Terry Venables.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jul/08/newsstory.leedsunited1 |title=Tel moves in at Elland Road |date=8 July 2002 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=14 August 2019}} Leeds performed woefully under Venables, and other players were sold to repay the loans, including Jonathan Woodgate, whom Ridsdale had promised Venables would not be sold. Tensions mounted between Ridsdale and Venables and, with the team underachieving, Venables was dismissed on 21 March 2003, and replaced by Peter Reid.{{Cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Russell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/21/newsstory.leedsunited |title=Venables heads for Leeds exit door |date=21 March 2003 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=14 August 2019 |last2=Cassy |first2=John}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/21/newsstory.leedsunited4 |title=Leeds turn over new leaf with Reid |date=21 March 2003 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=14 August 2019}} Ridsdale resigned from the Leeds board and was replaced by existing non-executive director Professor John McKenzie. At this time Leeds were in danger of relegation, but managed to avoid the drop in the penultimate game of the season, beating Arsenal 3–2 away with a late strike by Mark Viduka.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

Reid was given a permanent contract at Leeds the following summer and brought in several players on loan. An unsuccessful start to the 2003–04 season saw Reid dismissed, and Eddie Gray take over as caretaker manager until the end of the season. An insolvency specialist, Gerald Krasner, led a consortium of local businessmen which took over Leeds and oversaw the sale of the club's assets, including senior and emerging youth players of any value. Leeds were relegated during the 2003–04 season.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

Following relegation to the Championship, assistant manager Kevin Blackwell was appointed manager. Most of the remaining players were sold or released on free transfers to further reduce the high wage bill; Blackwell was forced to rebuild almost the entire squad through free transfers, and Leeds were forced to sell both their training ground and stadium in the autumn of 2004.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/3948841.stm |title=Leeds hopeful over new investors |date=24 October 2004 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=31 October 2006}}{{Cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/3995041.stm |title=Leeds sell ground after bid fails |date=12 November 2004 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=31 October 2006}}

In 2005, the club was bought by Ken Bates, who paid £10 million{{cite news |last=Jay |first=Adam |date=21 January 2005 |title=Bates seals £10m Leeds United takeover |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/jan/21/football.uknews |work=The Guardian |location= |access-date=11 March 2023}} for a 50% stake.{{Cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/4191871.stm |title=Bates completes takeover of Leeds |date=21 January 2005 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=31 October 2006}} Under Blackwell, Leeds reached the Championship play-off final, which they lost to Watford.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4771857.stm |title=Leeds 0 watford 3 |date=21 May 2006 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2013}} With the team performing poorly, Blackwell's contract was terminated,{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Michael |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/sep/21/newsstory.leedsunited |title=Blackwell sacked by Leeds |date=20 September 2006 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=14 August 2019}} and Leeds hired John Carver as caretaker manager, but his spell was not a success and he was relieved of his duties, with Dennis Wise eventually installed as his replacement on 24 October 2006. Wise was unable to lift the team out of the relegation zone for much of the season, despite bringing in a number of experienced loan players and free transfers on short-term deals. With relegation virtually assured, Leeds entered administration on 4 May 2007, thus incurring a league-imposed 10-point deduction that officially relegated the club to the third tier of English football;{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6624731.stm |title=Leeds Utd calls in administrators |date=4 May 2007 |website=BBC News |access-date=4 May 2007}}{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/6625751.stm |title=Relegated Leeds in administration |date=4 May 2007 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=4 May 2007}} the club had previously never played any lower than the second tier. The players whom Wise had brought in were released; he was forced to build a squad almost from scratch, and because of administration Leeds were unable to sign any players until a few days before the opening game of the season.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

On 3 July 2007, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) lodged a legal challenge to Leeds' Creditors' Voluntary Agreement (CVA).{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6266508.stm |title=HM Revenue to challenge Leeds Utd |date=3 July 2007 |access-date=3 July 2007 |website=BBC News}} Under league rules, if the club were still in administration at the start of the following season, Leeds would have been prevented from starting their season by the Football League.{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6277752.stm |title=Leeds 'may not start next season' |date=6 July 2007 |access-date=6 July 2007 |website=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last1=Conn |first1=David |url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2007/jul/27/leedsunitedtheunansweredqu |title=Leeds United: the unanswered questions |date=27 July 2007 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=10 October 2008 |last2=Scott |first2=Matt |location=London}} Following the challenge by HMRC, the club was put up for sale by KPMG,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6279340.stm |title=Debt-ridden Leeds put up for sale |date=6 July 2007 |access-date=7 July 2007 |website=BBC News}} and again Ken Bates' bid was accepted.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6292746.stm |title=Leeds United resold to Ken Bates |date=11 July 2007 |access-date=11 July 2007 |website=BBC News}} The League eventually sanctioned this under the "exceptional circumstances rule" but imposed a 15-point deduction due to the club failing to exit administration with a CVA, as the Football League rules required.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/6920103.stm |title=Leeds hit with 15-point penalty |date=4 August 2007 |access-date=4 August 2007 |website=BBC Sport}} On 31 August 2007, HMRC decided not to pursue its legal challenge any further.{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Paul |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/leeds-united-news/Taxman-pulls-out-of-Leeds.3163456.jp |title=Taxman pulls out of Leeds United court challenge |date=31 August 2007 |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |access-date=31 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928075445/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/leeds-united-news/Taxman-pulls-out-of-Leeds.3163456.jp |archive-date=28 September 2007}}

Despite the 15-point deduction, Wise and his assistant Gus Poyet guided Leeds to a play-off position, only for Poyet to leave for Tottenham, and Wise quitting to take up a position at Newcastle United.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/7213096.stm |title=Wise quits Leeds for Magpies role |date=28 January 2008 |access-date=28 January 2008 |website=BBC Sport}} Wise was replaced by former club captain Gary McAllister.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/7215732.stm |title=McAllister named new Leeds boss |date=29 January 2008 |access-date=29 January 2008 |website=BBC Sport}} Leeds went on to secure a place in the play-off final, but were beaten by Doncaster Rovers. The following season saw a poor run of results, and McAllister was dismissed after a run of five defeats in a row on 22 December 2008. He was replaced by Simon Grayson, who resigned from his post as manager of Blackpool to take the position.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/23/leeds-united-manager-simon-greyson |title=Blackpool consider legal action over Grayson's Leeds appointment |date=23 December 2008 |access-date=28 December 2008 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}} Under Grayson, Leeds made the play-offs once again, but were beaten over the two legs of the semi-finals by Millwall.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

In the 2009–10 season, the team secured the best start ever to a season by a Leeds side, and caused a major upset in the third round of the FA Cup by beating Manchester United at Old Trafford.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8433901.stm |title=Man Utd 0–1 Leeds United |date=4 January 2010 |access-date=4 January 2010 |website=BBC Sport}} After the impressive run in the FA Cup, Leeds' league form suffered, with the team taking just seven points from a possible 24. However, the team rallied and Leeds won their final game of the season to confirm promotion to the Championship as runners-up to Norwich City.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

Leeds spent much of the 2010–11 season in the play-off places, but eventually finished in seventh place, just missing out on the play-offs.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

In May 2011, it was announced that Leeds chairman Ken Bates had bought the club and become the owner of Leeds.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13274550.stm |title=Leeds confirm Bates as new owner |date=3 May 2011 |website=BBC Sport}} Before the match against Middlesbrough, about 300 Leeds fans protested about what they saw as a lack of investment in the playing side, to which Bates responded by calling the protesters "morons".{{Cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/aug/17/ken-batest-lambasts-leeds-morons |title=Ken Bates lambasts Leeds United 'morons' for protests against him | guardian.co.uk |date=17 August 2011 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=19 September 2011 |agency=Press Association |location=London}}

Despite securing promotion to the Championship, Grayson was dismissed after failing to mount a consistent challenge for promotion to the Premier League.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16839801 Simon Grayson sacked as manager by Leeds United]. BBC Sport. (1 February 2012). Retrieved 19 August 2013 Neil Warnock was appointed as the club's new manager on 18 February, with his initial contract lasting until the end of the 2012–13 season.{{Cite news |url= http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11715/7529263/Warnock-takes-Whites-reins |title=Warnock takes Leeds reins |date=18 February 2012 |website=Sky Sports |access-date=19 August 2013}}

On 21 November 2012, Middle East-based private equity group GFH Capital finalised a deal for a protracted takeover of Leeds, gaining a 100% shareholding in the club. It was also announced Ken Bates would remain as chairman until the end of the 2012–13 season and then become club president.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20240262 |title=Leeds United: GFH Capital finalise takeover deal |date=21 November 2012 |website=BBC Sport}} The takeover was officially completed on 21 December 2012.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20809027 |title=Leeds United: GFH Capital completes takeover |date=21 December 2012 |website=BBC Sport}}

Despite runs to the quarter-finals of the League Cup and the fifth round of the FA Cup (albeit with both runs ending in five-goal thrashings, by Chelsea and Manchester City respectively), Leeds' league form in the 2012–13 season was generally mediocre, with the club never making any real challenge for the play-off places. Warnock resigned on 1 April 2013, with six games remaining, and Leeds just five points above the relegation zone.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21998112 |title=Neil Warnock 'parts company' with Leeds United |date=1 April 2013 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=4 January 2017}} Brian McDermott replaced Warnock, and the club won three of their final five games of the season, enough to avoid relegation. That summer, Bates stepped down as chairman, and ultimately left the club altogether a few weeks later following a dispute over expenses.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

On 7 January 2014, Leeds United's managing director David Haigh was involved in Sport Capital, a consortium involving the managing director of Leeds United's main sponsors, Enterprise Insurance, Andrew Flowers. Sports Capital came close to completing a transaction with GFH Capital that would have given them a 75% stake in the business.{{Cite news |last=Leeds United |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/10557297/Leeds-United-takeover-by-consortium-will-allow-manager-Brian-McDermott-to-strengthen-squad.html |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/10557297/Leeds-United-takeover-by-consortium-will-allow-manager-Brian-McDermott-to-strengthen-squad.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Leeds United takeover by consortium will allow manager Brian McDermott to strengthen squad |date=7 January 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=3 February 2014 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}

On 30 January, Sport Capital's takeover collapsed due to a lack of "financial backing". Haigh released a statement conceding that it was unable to complete a deal despite two months ago agreeing to purchase a 75% stake in the club from the owners Gulf Finance House. Haigh said he and Sport Capital had "injected substantial sums into the club to ensure its viability" but earlier in the week fellow consortium member Andrew Flowers, the managing director of Leeds' shirt sponsor Enterprise Insurance, stated that GFH had "breached their covenant with us" after inviting a rival bid from Massimo Cellino, the president of the Serie A club Cagliari Calcio.{{Cite news |last=Riach |first=James |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/30/leeds-united-takeover-collapses-cash |title=Leeds United in disarray after takeover collapses over lack of cash |date=30 January 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=3 February 2014}} Haigh's statement read:

{{blockquote|As fans know, we signed a share acquisition agreement with GFH Capital at the end of last year. This meant, I believed, that we were in a position to move things forward and complete the transaction in time for the January transfer window. ... Unfortunately, however, some of the consortium's backers ultimately didn't feel able to deliver the financial backing we had hoped was agreed to take the club forward.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/10607821/Leeds-United-takeover-deal-collapses.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/10607821/Leeds-United-takeover-deal-collapses.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Leeds United takeover deal collapses |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}}}

On 31 January 2014, under controversial circumstances, it was reported that manager Brian McDermott had been removed from his position as the club's manager following a string of poor results, while the controversy surrounding the club was resolved.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25992204 |title=Brian McDermott: Leeds United manager sacked |website=BBC Sport |access-date=3 February 2014}} New club captain Ross McCormack expressed his support for the former manager.{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3996/championship/2014/02/01/4586018/leeds-sack-mcdermott |title=Leeds sack McDermott |date=30 January 2014 |website=Goal |access-date=3 February 2014}} By 3 February the BBC was reporting that McDermott had been called by a lawyer representing Massimo Cellino "and told he had been relieved of his duties". However, Cellino still did not own the club, as the Football League had not yet approved his purchase, so neither he nor his lawyer could dismiss the manager. McDermott, therefore, remained in his post.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26014775 |title=Brian McDermott: Leeds United boss vows not to walk away |website=BBC Sport |access-date=3 February 2014}}

After weeks of speculation regarding the purchase of Leeds United,{{Cite news |url= http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11715/9143857/consortium-looks-to-re-open-leeds-takeover-talks-as-cellino-closes-on-deal |title= Consortium looks to re-open Leeds takeover talks as Cellino closes on deal |access-date=31 January 2014 |website=Sky News}} on 7 February 2014, Leeds United had announced that they had exchanged contracts for the sale of Leeds to Cellino's family consortium Eleonora Sport Ltd. The deal saw the Cellino family acquire a 75% ownership of the club, subject to Football League Approval.{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/16cr3klmb3cpp1xljskfrgkd8q/title/statements-from-our-owners |title=Statements from our Owners |date=7 February 2014 |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |access-date=7 February 2014}}

At its meeting on 23 March 2014, the board of the Football League decided unanimously that Cellino's conviction by an Italian court meant that he did not meet its owners and directors test, so could not take over Leeds United.{{cite web |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/footballleaguenews/20140324/football-league-statement-massimo-cellino_2293334_3729469 |title=Football League statement – Massimo Cellino |date=24 March 2014 |publisher=The Football League |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328091305/http://www.football-league.co.uk/footballleaguenews/20140324/football-league-statement-massimo-cellino_2293334_3729469 |archive-date=28 March 2014 |access-date=24 March 2014}}

In the backdrop of Cellino's takeover, Leeds suffered an appalling second half of the season, dropping from the play-off places to the fringes of the relegation battle. In the end, the weak performances of the teams below Leeds meant that they were never in any real danger of going down, and a late run of wins put survival beyond doubt well before the end of the season. However, McDermott resigned as manager on 30 May 2014.

On 5 April, Cellino was successful in his appeal with independent QC Tim Kerr to take over the club.{{Cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11715/9250458/sky-bet-championship-massimo-cellino-wins-appeal-against-football-league |title=Massimo Cellino wins appeal against Football League |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=5 April 2014 |website=Sky Sports}} The takeover was completed on 10 April, with Cellino's company, Eleonora Sport Limited, buying 75% of the club's shares.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/10752814/Massimo-Cellino-completes-Leeds-United-takeover.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/10752814/Massimo-Cellino-completes-Leeds-United-takeover.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Massimo Cellino completes Leeds United takeover |date=10 April 2014 |access-date=10 April 2014 |newspaper=The Telegraph |location=London}}{{cbignore}} Two months later, the inexperienced Dave Hockaday was surprisingly appointed head coach, with Junior Lewis hired as his assistant. After only 70 days, the pair were fired by Cellino.{{cite web |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/czqaoeenck6d1qxe2tf34eerc/title/club-statement-david-hockaday |title=Club Statement: David Hockaday |date=27 August 2014 |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |access-date=27 August 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/505055655783583744 |title=Leeds United on Twitter |via=Twitter |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |access-date=4 January 2017}} Darko Milanič was given the head coach position on 21 September 2014, becoming the club's first manager from outside the British isles and the first Slovene manager in English football, but left the club the following month.{{Cite news |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/l9x1e0mkjtui12nhj4m267y8n/title/united-confirm-darko-milanic |title=United confirm darko milanic |date=23 September 2014 |access-date=23 September 2014 |publisher=Leeds United F.C.}}{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/526061872517480448 |title=Leeds United on Twitter |via=Twitter |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |access-date=4 January 2017}} On 1 November 2014, Neil Redfearn was confirmed as the new head coach.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29864012 |title=Neil Redfearn appointed as Leeds United head coach |website=BBC Sport}}

On 1 December 2014, Cellino was disqualified by the Football League after it obtained documents from an Italian court, where he was found guilty of tax evasion.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30276764 |title=Leeds owner Massimo Cellino disqualified by Football League |date=1 December 2014 |website=BBC Sport}} He was disqualified from running the club until 10 April 2015, and on 24 February 2015, Cellino announced he would not be returning to the club after his ban ended.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31611980 |title=Massimo Cellino: Leeds United president 'not returning' in April |date=24 February 2015 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=24 February 2015}} Redfearn was replaced by former Manchester City Player Uwe Rösler as head coach in May 2015,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32810443 |title=Uwe Rosler: Leeds United appoint fifth head coach in less than a year |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 May 2015 |access-date=29 July 2023}} but Rosler was himself replaced by Steve Evans after only a few months in the role.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34570202 |title=Steve Evans: Leeds appoint new boss as Massimo Cellino banned |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 October 2015 |access-date=29 July 2023}}

On 30 October 2015, Cellino agreed a deal in principle with Leeds Fans Utd to sell a majority stake in the club.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34676783 |title=Cellino agrees to sell Leeds to fans |website=BBC Sport |access-date=1 November 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/10049247/leeds-fans-united-are-set-to-but-a-majority-stake-in-the-championship-club |title=Leeds Fans United are set to buy a majority stake in the club |website=Sky Sports |access-date=1 November 2015}} When asked to legally commit to an exclusivity period to allow due diligence to commence, he reneged.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34721028 |title=Cellino calls off Leeds fans deal |website=BBC Sport |access-date=4 November 2015}}

On 2 June 2016, Garry Monk was appointed as the new head coach, replacing Steve Evans.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36433909 |title=Garry Monk: Leeds United appoint former Swansea City boss |website=BBC Sport |access-date=2 June 2016}} On 4 January 2017, Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani purchased a 50% stake in the club from Massimo Cellino.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38511004 |title=Leeds United: Owner Massimo Cellino sells 50% stake to Italian businessman |date=4 January 2017 |access-date=4 January 2017 |website=BBC Sport}} At the close of the 2016–17 season, Leeds narrowly missed out on the play-offs. Leeds had been in the play-off positions for the majority of the season before a poor run of form in the final games saw them drop into seventh place. This was compounded by being knocked out in the fourth round of the FA Cup by non-League side Sutton United 1–0, who, at the time, were 83 places and three divisions below Leeds.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38709037 |title=Sutton United 1–0 Leeds United |author=Patrick Jennings |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 January 2017 |access-date=29 July 2023}}

On 23 May 2017, Radrizzani announced a 100% buyout of Leeds United, buying the remaining 50% shares from previous co-owner Massimo Cellino, with Radrizzani taking full ownership of the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/club-news/21921/club-statement |title=Club Statement |date=23 May 2017 |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |access-date=23 May 2017}} Garry Monk resigned as head coach two days after the takeover, after one season at the club in which he guided them to seventh place.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40046074 |title=Garry Monk: Leeds United head coach resigns after one season |date=25 May 2017 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=25 May 2017}} In June 2017, former Spain international Thomas Christiansen was announced as the new head coach.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40287680 |title=Thomas Christiansen: Leeds United name ex-Spain international as head coach |access-date=15 June 2017 |website=BBC Sport}} This was followed by Radrizzani introducing Leeds United Women back to Leeds United ownership.{{Cite news |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/21982/leeds-united-ladies-are-back |title=Leeds United Ladies are Back |date=26 June 2017 |access-date=26 June 2017 |publisher=Leeds United F.C.}} Also in June, Radrizzani completed the purchase of Elland Road from Jacob Adler's company, Teak Commercial Limited for £20 million, using his own company Greenfield Investment Pte Ltd.{{cite news |last=Hay |first=Phil |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-become-owners-of-elland-road-once-again-1-8620963 |title=Leeds United become owners of Elland Road once again |date=28 June 2017 |access-date=28 June 2017 |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post}}

On 4 February 2018, Christiansen was dismissed, after a bad run of games, leaving the team tenth in the Championship. On 6 February, Paul Heckingbottom was confirmed as Christiansen's replacement. On 24 May 2018, Leeds announced that 49ers Enterprises, the business arm of the NFL side San Francisco 49ers, had bought shares in the club to become a minority investor.{{cite web |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/club-news/23401/san-francisco-49ers-enterprises-become-minority-investor |title=San Francisco 49ers Enterprises Become Minority Investor |date=24 May 2018 |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151806/https://www.leedsunited.com/news/club-news/23401/san-francisco-49ers-enterprises-become-minority-investor |archive-date=24 May 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018}} Heckingbottom was dismissed by Leeds in June 2018 after being at the club for just four months.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44332089 |title=Paul Heckingbottom: Leeds United sack head coach after less than four months |date=1 June 2018 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=1 June 2018}}

Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa was named the club's new manager on 15 June 2018, signing a two-year contract with an option of a third year. In doing so he became the highest-paid manager in the club's history.{{Cite news |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/23433/marcelo-bielsa-named-head-coach |title=Marcelo Bielsa Named Head Coach |date=15 June 2018 |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |access-date=15 June 2018}}{{Cite news |url= https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-confirm-marcelo-bielsa-appointment-1-9208028 |title=Leeds United confirm Marcelo Bielsa appointment |date=15 June 2018 |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |access-date=15 June 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190404171520/https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-confirm-marcelo-bielsa-appointment-1-9208028 |archive-date=4 April 2019}} Bielsa's first season in charge saw Leeds make an impressive start and Leeds remained in the top two with Norwich City for the majority of the season, on course for automatic promotion to the Premier League. However, a poor end to the season saw the team lose out on automatic promotion to Sheffield United.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47904094 |title=Leeds 1 Wigan 2 |date=19 April 2019 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=15 May 2019}} They entered the play-offs against Derby County; despite winning the first leg 1–0, they ultimately lost 4–3 on aggregate which consigned them to another season in the championship.{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48196167 |title=Leeds United 2–4 Derby County (Derby win 4–3 on agg) |date=15 May 2019 |website=BBC Sport}}

On 17 July 2020, after sixteen years out of the Premier League, Leeds were promoted back to the top flight following West Bromwich Albion's loss to Huddersfield Town. Stoke City's defeat of Brentford the following day confirmed they would go up as winners of the Championship.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53371807 |title=Championship: Brentford lose at Stoke to confirm Leeds as champions |date=18 July 2020 |website=BBC Sport}} Leeds had been in the top two for most of the season and had never dropped lower than fifth in the table, eventually going on to finish ten points clear of West Brom in second place.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53449068 |title=Championship: Leeds United promoted to Premier League after 16-year absence |last=Smee |first=Gary |date=17 July 2020 |website=BBC Sport}}

The club's first season back in the Premier League produced a top half finish, their points tally was the most by a newly promoted side since Ipswich Town two decades earlier.{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/leeds-vs-w-brom/report/429210 |title=Leeds United 3–1 West Brom: Marcelo Bielsa's side ease past Baggies to end Premier League season in style |website=Sky Sports}} However, the following season was not as successful and following a series of poor results, Bielsa was dismissed by the club in February 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12552850/marcelo-bielsa-sacked-by-leeds-after-defeat-to-tottenham-jesse-marsch-in-frame-to-replace-him |title=Marcelo Bielsa sacked by Leeds after defeat to Tottenham, Jesse Marsch in frame to replace him |website=Sky Sports}} Jesse Marsch was appointed as Bielsa's replacement, and he successfully led the club to avoid relegation on the final day of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61453546 |title=Leeds beat Brentford with late winner to avoid drop |website=BBC Sport}} Marsch was dismissed by the club in February 2023,{{Cite news |title=Leeds sack manager Marsch |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63339426 |access-date=2023-02-06}} and was replaced by Javi Gracia.{{Cite news |title=Leeds set to appoint ex-Watford boss Gracia |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64716610 |access-date=2023-02-21}} Gracia was dismissed on 3 May 2023, having won just three of his twelve games in charge, and was replaced by Sam Allardyce, in the hope, he could avoid relegation for the second successive season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65444406 |title=Leeds United: Javi Gracia sacked and replaced by Sam Allardyce at struggling Premier League club |work=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2023 |accessdate=3 May 2023}} However, he was unable to prevent relegation as Leeds dropped back into the Championship on the final day of the season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65661818 |title=Allardyce's Whites relegated to Championship|work=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2023 |accessdate=20 July 2023}}

With Allardyce having left the club after relegation, Daniel Farke was appointed as manager on 4 July 2023. Farke had previously won the Championship twice with Norwich City.{{cite web | title=Daniel Farke appointed manager of Leeds United | website=Leeds United | date=4 July 2023 | url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/31603/daniel-farke-appointed-manager-of-leeds-united | access-date=4 August 2023}}{{cite news |title=Daniel Farke to Leeds United: Former Norwich manager appointed as new boss at Elland Road |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/12914533/daniel-farke-to-leeds-united-former-norwich-manager-appointed-as-new-boss-at-elland-road |access-date=2 August 2023 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=5 July 2023}} On 18 July, 49ers Enterprises, then owning 44% of the shares in the club, reached agreement with Radrizzani to purchase the remaining 56% in a complete takeover.{{cite news |title=Leeds United: 49ers Enterprises complete takeover from Andrea Radrizzani |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12922585/leeds-united-49ers-enterprises-complete-takeover-from-andrea-radrizzani |access-date=2 August 2023 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=18 July 2023}} Leeds missed out on promotion in their first season back in the Championship after losing the play-off final to Southampton.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cd11vdnwwjdt |title=Leeds United 0–1 Southampton |first=Ian |last=Woodcock |website=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2024 |access-date=30 May 2024}} While recording a pre-tax loss of £60.8million, the club recorded £43.2m in commercial income for the 2023–24 campaign, the highest recorded in the Championship and surpassing the club’s own 2019–20 record of £33.8m.{{cite web |last1=Cross |first1=Beren |last2=Weatherspoon |first2=Chris |title=Leeds United’s accounts explained: £60m loss, £140m 49ers support and PSR situation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6249399/2025/04/02/leeds-united-accounts-explained-loss-psr |website=The New York Times |access-date=29 April 2025 |date=2 April 2025}}

After a slow start to the 2024–25 season, Leeds moved into 2nd place in the table on 18 October when they beat Sheffield United 2–0 at Elland Road.{{cite news |title=Leeds 2 Sheffield United 0 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c3e9kvx1192t |access-date=23 April 2025 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 October 2024}} They were not to leave the top 3 again that season; as early pace-setters Sunderland faltered, the race for promotion developed into a three-way battle with Sheffield United and Burnley. After a loss to Blackburn Rovers at the end of November, Leeds went on a three month unbeaten run which included wins over rivals Sheffield United and Sunderland, and a 7–0 win over Cardiff City at Elland Road.{{cite news |last1=Woodcock |first1=Ian |title=Leeds United promoted back to Premier League |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/czjnvzx02v9o |access-date=23 April 2025 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 April 2025}} However, one victory in five games during March saw Leeds briefly drop to 3rd in the table, before a run of three wins, coupled with three unexpected defeats for Sheffield United, left them on the brink of promotion. On 21 April, Leeds beat Stoke City 6–0 at Elland Road, before Burnley beat Sheffield United 2–1 in a later kick off, meaning that both were promoted automatically.

{{Commons|Leeds United F.C. kits}}

In Leeds' first 15 years, the club kit was modelled on Huddersfield Town's blue and white striped shirts, white shorts and dark blue socks with blue and white rings on the turnovers,{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Leeds_United/Leeds_United.htm |title=Leeds United |date=August 2006 |website=Historical Football Kits |publisher=Dave Moor |access-date=13 October 2006}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/misc/kits.htm |title=Mighty Mighty Whites |year=2006 |website=The Definitive History of Leeds United |publisher=Dave Tomlinson |access-date=25 December 2006}} because Huddersfield's chairman Hilton Crowther was attempting to merge the two clubs. He eventually left Huddersfield to take over at Leeds.

In 1934, Leeds switched to blue and yellow halved shirts incorporating the city crest, white shorts and blue socks with yellow tops. The kit was worn for the first time on 22 September 1934. In 1950, Leeds switched to yellow shirts with blue sleeves and collars, white shorts and black, blue and gold hooped socks. In 1955, Leeds changed again to royal blue shirts with gold collars, white shorts, and blue and yellow hooped socks, thus echoing the original Leeds City strip. In 1961, Don Revie introduced a plain white strip throughout.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

Leeds United's first badge appeared in 1934. Like Leeds City before them, the club adopted the coat of arms of Leeds, which remained on the kit in various guises until 1961.{{cite web |url=http://historicalkits.co.uk/Leeds_United/Leeds_United.htm |title=Leeds United |website=Historical Football Kits |publisher=Dave Moor |access-date=24 January 2018}} For a number of seasons after 1961–62, when the all-white strip replaced the blue and gold, the shirts sported no badge at all.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

A perching owl badge was added to the strip in 1964. The design was a surprise given Revie's superstition about the symbolism of birds. The owl derived from the three owls that feature on the city's coat of arms, which in turn were taken from the coat of arms of Sir John Savile, the first alderman of Leeds. The owl was usually navy blue, but was coloured gold for the 1968 Football League Cup Final.

Between 1971 and 1973, Leeds used the "LUFC" script that runs down the centre of the current badge, albeit in a diagonal fashion rather than the present vertical. The script made a reappearance on the 'retro-look' Asics kit used during the 1995–96 season. In 1973 came the embodiment of 1970s imagery with the iconic "smiley" badge, made up of the letters L and U in bubble writing. Revie's predilection for gimmicks was years ahead of its time, and done with the explicit intention of gaining acceptance from a public outside West Yorkshire. In 1977, the smiley badge was rotated through 45° and the yellow and blue colours were reversed. The yellow smiley returned the following year, but was now enclosed in a circle surrounded by the words "LEEDS UNITED AFC".{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

In the 1978–79 season, a new badge appeared that was similar to that of the previous season, except now the words "LEEDS UNITED AFC" enclosed a stylised peacock (a reference to the club's nickname, "The Peacocks") rather than the yellow smiley.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

In 1984, another badge was introduced which lasted until 1998. The distinctive rose and ball badge used the traditional blue, gold and white colours, and incorporated the White Rose of York, the club's name, and a football (a truncated icosahedron similar to the Adidas Telstar, but in Leeds colours) in the core section.

In the 1998–99 season, the club logo was replaced with a more "European" shield design. The shield retained the white rose, as well as the blue, gold and white colours, with "LUFC" reading vertically down the centre.{{cite web |title=History of the Club – the birth of Leeds United |url=https://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/history/unitedbirth.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209232057/http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/history/unitedbirth.htm |website=The Definitive History of Leeds United |publisher=Dave Tomlinson |archive-date=9 December 2006 |access-date=26 December 2006}} In 1999, the badge was slightly amended in that the football from the 1984 badge was added to the centre of the white rose.

On 24 January 2018, Leeds United revealed a new blue and gold shield design featuring the 'Leeds Salute' via their official website and Twitter account to be used from the following season. The design received enormous backlash from supporters. The club agreed to scrap the design a week later, and reverted to the previous shield design.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}

On 20 February 2019, Leeds United revealed a predominantly gold coloured badge that would be worn on the players' kit during the club's centenary season. The badge retained the existing shield design, but replaced the "LUFC" script with the words "LEEDS UNITED" above and "100 YEARS" below the shield. The crest also carried the date "1919", the year that the club was founded, as well as the centenary year "2019".{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

{{Main|Elland Road}}

File:Elland Road Stadium panoramic view from its southeastearn corner.jpg

Leeds United have only ever used one stadium as their home ground, Elland Road, where they have played at since their foundation in 1919. An all-seater stadium situated in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, it is the 14th largest football stadium in England. Elland Road was previously occupied by their predecessors, Leeds City before their disbanding.{{cite web |url=http://www.wafll.com/leeds-records/ |title=Leeds United – Records, Achievements & Tidbits |website=WAFLL |access-date=3 April 2008}} After their formation, the council allowed them to rent the stadium until they could afford to buy it. With the exception of periods from the 1960s until 1983, and from 1997 to 2004, the local council owned the stadium.{{cite web |url=http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/jboocock/lufc/briefing.htm |title=Fan's Briefing Paper |website=Leeds United Stadium Proposals |publisher=John Boocock |date=13 August 2001 |access-date=2 July 2007}} However, it was sold by the club in October 2004, with a 25-year sale-leaseback deal being agreed, and a commercial buy-back clause also included for when the club's finances improve sufficiently.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

Initially, the ground was the home of the Holbeck Rugby Club, which played in the Northern Rugby Union, the forerunner of the Rugby Football League.{{cite web |url=http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/history/footballinyorks.htm |title=Mighty Mighty Whites |year=2007 |website=The Definitive History of Leeds United |publisher=Dave Tomlinson |access-date=27 January 2007}} One of Leeds' first nicknames, 'The Peacocks', comes from the original name of Elland Road – 'The Old Peacock ground'. It was named by the original owners of the ground, Bentley's Brewery, after its pub The Old Peacock, which still faces the site.{{cite web |url=http://www.wafll.com/elland-road/elland-road-history.html |title=WAFLL – Elland Road History |publisher=WAFLL |access-date=8 May 2007}} The newly formed Leeds City agreed to rent and later own Elland Road. After their disbandment, it was sold to Leeds United. The most recent stand at Elland Road is the East, or Family, Stand, a cantilever structure completed during the 1992–93 season that can hold 17,000 seated spectators. It is a two-tiered stand that continues around the corners and is the largest part of the stadium. The Don Revie Stand was opened at the start of the 1994–95 season, and can hold just under 7,000 seated spectators.{{Specify|date=May 2007}} The roof of the West Stand holds a television commentary gantry and walkway for TV personnel. Elland Road was named in December 2009 as one of the contenders for the England 2018 World Cup bid. As a result of the bid, Leeds drew up plans to redevelop parts of Elland Road and increase the stadium's capacity. Ken Bates also revealed plans to take out the executive boxes out of the South Stand to increase the starting capacity by a further 2,000–3,000. More executive boxes would be built in the east stand.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

In 2003, Peter Reid commented on the support at Elland Road after being relieved of his managerial duties, saying that "In 30 years I've never seen support like I did at the Leeds/Arsenal game a couple of weeks ago. The fans at Leeds are fantastic."{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/3261069.stm |title=Reid reveals regret |date=11 November 2003 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=5 May 2007}} Two other former Leeds managers have also spoken highly of the club's supporters; Kevin Blackwell said "fans will follow them everywhere" and David O'Leary commented "There is an immense fan base and they are still with the club".{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/6932029.stm |title=Ex-bosses tip fans to boost Leeds |date=5 August 2007 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=5 August 2007}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}

Leeds United supporters are renowned for singing the signature song "Marching on Together" before and during matches. Other notable songs Leeds fans sing during games include "We Are The Champions, Champions of Europe" (more commonly known as WACCOE) in reference to the 1975 European Cup Final which Leeds lost due to dubious refereeing decisions. Riots by the Leeds fans during the match led to UEFA banning the club from European competition for four years, although this was reduced to two years on appeal.{{Cite web |date=2005-05-27 |title=30 Years Ago - United Robbed! |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/14471/30-years-ago-united-robbed |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=www.leedsunited.com |language=en}} Supporters also have their own salute.{{cite news |last1=Mewis |first1=Joe |title=What is the Leeds United salute? Origins of new badge gesture revealed after club announcement |url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/what-leeds-united-salute-origins-14197350 |access-date=8 March 2025 |publisher=LeedsLive |date=24 January 2018}}

An LGBT fans' group, Marching Out Together, was formed in 2017 and sits on the club's Supporters' Advisory Group.{{Cite news |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/club-news/22138/leeds-endorse-new-lgbt-supporters-group |title=Leeds United endorse new LGBT Supporters Group |date=2 August 2017 |access-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803015531/https://www.leedsunited.com/news/club-news/22138/leeds-endorse-new-lgbt-supporters-group |archive-date=3 August 2017 |publisher=Radio Yorkshire}} There is also a group for Sikh supporters, called Punjabi Whites.{{Cite web |title=Leeds United |url=https://www.punjabiwhites.co.uk/ |access-date=25 November 2022 |publisher=Punjabi Whites}} The Leeds United Disabled Organisation (LUDO) was founded in 1992.{{Cite web |title=Home Page |url=https://www.ludo1992.co.uk/ |access-date=25 November 2022 |publisher=Leeds United Disabled Organisation}} There is a well-known hooligan firm amongst the fans known as the Leeds United Service Crew.{{Cite web |date=2012-12-10 |title=Leeds United Service Crew |url=https://thefirms.co.uk/meet-the-firms/leeds-united-service-crew/ |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=The Firms |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Leeds United F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry|Chelsea F.C.–Leeds United F.C. rivalry}}

Leeds United's main rivals are widely considered to be Manchester United.{{cite web |url=http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf |title=Rivalry Uncovered! |access-date=25 July 2007 |publisher=Football Fans Census |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304004344/http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009}} As the largest cities within the historic counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, animosity between the regions date back to the Wars of the Roses, although more recent tensions between the football clubs date back to the 1960s and the iconic managers of Don Revie and Matt Busby.{{cite web |title=The Story of our Rivalry with Leeds |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-united-history-with-leeds-united-ahead-of-tour-meeting-in-perth |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |access-date=10 December 2021 |date=23 June 2019}}

The rivalry has been described as one of the fiercest in world football, and the most intense and inexplicable in England.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/league-cup/8775215/Leeds-United-v-Manchester-United-former-players-try-to-explain-an-intense-if-inexplicable-rivalry-between-clubs.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/league-cup/8775215/Leeds-United-v-Manchester-United-former-players-try-to-explain-an-intense-if-inexplicable-rivalry-between-clubs.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Leeds United v Manchester United: former players try to explain an intense, if inexplicable, rivalry between clubs |access-date=20 September 2010 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Mark |last=Ogden}}{{cbignore}} Alex Ferguson described Elland Road as 'hostile' and 'frightening', and stated that the ferocity of games between the two surpassed the ones with Liverpool.{{cite news |title=Sir Alex Ferguson: atmosphere before Leeds match was 'frightening' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/sep/23/sir-alex-ferguson-leeds |newspaper=The Guardian |date=23 September 2011}} The clubs have competed for league titles and cups in the 1960s, 1970s, 1990s, and early 2000s; while players such as Johnny Giles, Gordon Strachan, and Eric Cantona have been highly successful after moving between the clubs.{{cite web |title='It was like something out of Zulu': the rivalry of Manchester United and Leeds |url=https://theathletic.com/2264830/2020/12/20/manchester-united-leeds-rivalry/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=10 December 2021 |date=19 December 2020}}

Leeds United's secondary rivals are generally regarded to be Chelsea, which largely stems from the 1970 FA Cup Final.{{cite news |title=Leeds v Chelsea is an animosity that still simmers after 50 years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/dec/18/leeds-chelsea-rivalry-capital-one-cup |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=10 December 2021 |date=18 December 2012}} The clubs competed at the top end of the Premier League in the late 1990s and early 2000s and games were often bad-tempered.{{cite news |title=Nine-man Leeds stifle Chelsea's style |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/nine-man-leeds-stifle-chelsea-s-style-1.137621 |newspaper=the Irish Times |access-date=10 December 2021 |date=15 December 1997}}{{cite news |title=Leboeuf fears five-game ban after 'stamp' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/dec/31/newsstory.sport1 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=10 December 2021 |date=31 December 1999}} While the rivalry has subsided with Leeds' relegation, controversial figures such as Ken Bates and Dennis Wise – both of whom had long associations with Chelsea – presided over the club's relegation to the third division in 2007 and subsequent administration, prolonging the enmity.{{cite news |date=23 January 2005 |title=Lorimer: Get behind Ken |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOOTBALL%3A+Lorimer%3A+Get+behind+Ken.-a0127513415 |newspaper=Daily Mirror |access-date=1 June 2014}}{{cite news |date=31 October 2007 |title=Poyet: 'I lost count of what went wrong at Leeds' |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/poyet_i_lost_count_of_what_went_wrong_at_leeds_1_2119681 |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |access-date=1 March 2011}}

Leeds United also hold extreme bitterness towards the Turkish club Galatasaray following the deaths of the two supporters the night before a UEFA Cup semi-final in Istanbul in April 2000.{{cite web |title=The problem shouldn't have been Alioski or his next club, it's how Galatasaray dealt with that tragedy |url=https://theathletic.com/2708737/2021/07/24/the-problem-shouldnt-have-been-alioski-or-his-next-club-its-how-galatasaray-dealt-with-that-tragedy |website=The Athletic |access-date=10 December 2021 |date=24 July 2021}} During the game, supporters of Galatasaray mocked the deaths, while their team refused to wear black armbands.{{cite news |title=The Turks didn't even have the decency to wear black armbands; Galatasaray 2 Leeds United 0 – SICK CUT-THROAT GESTURES INSULT LEEDS DEAD |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+The+Turks+didn%27t+even+have+the+decency+to+wear+black...-a061359261 |newspaper=Daily Mirror |access-date=10 December 2021 |date=7 April 2000}} Then chairman Peter Ridsdale accused the club of 'lacking common decency'.

{{Main|Marching on Together|Glory Glory Leeds United}}

The single "Leeds United" was released in April 1972 to coincide with the team reaching the 1972 FA Cup final, composed by Les Reed and Barry Mason with the team providing the vocals. The record stayed in the UK Singles Chart for almost three months, peaking at number 10.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14586/leeds-united-f-c/ |title=Leeds United |date=29 April 1972 |publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=2 September 2020}} The B-side "Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!"(commonly known as Marching on Together) has since become the club's anthem and is regularly sung by supporters.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/may/06/the-joy-of-six-football-chants |title=Leeds United |date=6 May 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=11 December 2021}}

{{Main|List of Leeds United F.C. records and statistics}}

File:Leeds United AFC League Performance.svg.]]

Jack Charlton holds the record for the most appearances for the club, having made 773 first team appearances between 1952–1973.{{cite web|url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/2144/club-records |title=Club Records |website=Leeds United FC |date=24 September 2014 |access-date=16 January 2024}} Peter Lorimer is the club's record goal scorer, scoring 238 goals across two spells. John Charles scored the most goals for the club in a single season, 43 in 1953–54. Lucas Radebe is the most capped international for the club, making 69 appearances for South Africa.

Leeds' record home attendance is 57,892 against Sunderland on 15 March 1967. The club's highest league attendance is 56,796 against Arsenal on 27 December 1932.{{cite web |title=Record League Attendances |url=https://talksport.com/football/270799/record-home-attendance-english-football-tottenham-premier-league-manchester-united/ |website=Talksport |date=2 August 2018 |access-date=20 January 2023}} This was before their stadium became an all-seater venue, their highest modern attendance is 40,287 against Newcastle United on 22 December 2001.

Leeds' highest ever league finish is first in the First Division in the 1968–69, 1973–74 and 1991–92 seasons. Their lowest ever league finish was fifth in League One in 2007–08, finishing the season by losing to Doncaster Rovers in the play-off final. This was their first ever season in the third level of English football.{{cite news |title=Leeds docked 15 points |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-england-leeds-idUKL035226520070803 |access-date=20 January 2023 |work=Reuters |date=3 August 2007}}

Leeds' longest ever unbeaten run in the league was between 19 October 1968 and 30 August 1969, to which they remained unbeaten for thirty-four games on their way to the First Division title.{{cite web |title=Leeds United 34 without defeat |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/unb-leeds-34.html |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=20 January 2023}} Their longest run of consecutive victories in the league is nine, which they achieved between 26 September 1931 and 21 November 1931 (in the Second Division){{cite news |last1=Steel |first1=Andrew |title=The 88-year-old winning streak Leeds United have in their sights |url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/88-year-old-winning-streak-17416639 |access-date=20 January 2023 |publisher=Leeds Live |date=13 December 2019}} and also between 1 January and 23 February 2024 (in the Championship).{{cite news |last1=Donnohue |first1=Joe |title=New Leeds United 10-in-a-row revelation points toward Premier League despite falling short of club record |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/new-leeds-united-10-in-a-row-revelation-points-toward-premier-league-despite-falling-short-of-club-record-4541104 |access-date=19 August 2024 |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=4 March 2024}}

The record transfer fee paid by Leeds for a player was around £30 million for Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter.{{cite news |title=Leeds United complete club record deal for Georginio Rutter|url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/30851/leeds-united-complete-club-record-deal-for-georginio-rutter |access-date=14 January 2023 |publisher=Leeds United FC |date=14 January 2023}} The highest transfer fee received for a Leeds player was approximately £60 million from Barcelona for Raphinha;{{cite news |title=Raphinha Joins FC Barcelona |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/30090/raphinha-joins-fc-barcelona |access-date=17 July 2022 |publisher=Leeds United FC |date=15 July 2022}} it surpassed their previous highest transfer fee received, when they sold Rio Ferdinand to Manchester United for a then transfer record for a defender twenty years earlier.{{cite web |title=Rio Ferdinand |url=https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/halloffame/rio-ferdinand/ |website=Football Hall of Fame |access-date=20 January 2023}}

{{updated|15 January 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/teams/first-team |title=First Team |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |access-date=24 November 2023}}

{{fs start}}

{{fs player |no=1 |nat=FRA |pos=GK |name=Illan Meslier}}

{{fs player |no=2 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Jayden Bogle}}

{{fs player |no=3 |nat=DOM |pos=DF |name=Junior Firpo}}

{{fs player |no=4 |nat=WAL |pos=MF |name=Ethan Ampadu|other=captain}}

{{fs player |no=5 |nat=NED |pos=DF |name=Pascal Struijk}}

{{fs player |no=6 |nat=WAL |pos=DF |name=Joe Rodon}}

{{fs player |no=7 |nat=WAL |pos=MF |name=Daniel James}}

{{fs player |no=8 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Joe Rothwell |other=on loan from Bournemouth}}

{{fs player |no=9 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Patrick Bamford}}

{{fs player |no=10 |nat=NED |pos=FW |name=Joël Piroe}}

{{fs player |no=11 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=Brenden Aaronson}}

{{fs player |no=14 |nat=ISR |pos=MF |name=Manor Solomon |other=on loan from Tottenham Hotspur}}

{{fs player |no=17 |nat=BEL |pos=FW |name=Largie Ramazani}}

{{fs mid}}

{{fs player |no=19 |nat=ESP |pos=FW |name=Mateo Joseph}}

{{fs player |no=21 |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=Alex Cairns}}

{{fs player |no=22 |nat=JPN |pos=MF |name=Ao Tanaka}}

{{fs player |no=23 |nat=FRA |pos=MF |name=Josuha Guilavogui}}

{{fs player |no=25 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Sam Byram}}

{{fs player |no=26 |nat=WAL |pos=GK |name=Karl Darlow}}

{{fs player |no=29 |nat=ITA |pos=FW |name=Wilfried Gnonto}}

{{fs player |no=33 |nat=SUI |pos=DF |name=Isaac Schmidt}}

{{fs player |no=37 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=James Debayo}}

{{fs player |no=39 |nat=AUT |pos=DF |name=Maximilian Wöber}}

{{fs player |no=42 |nat=SCO |pos=MF |name=Sam Chambers}}

{{fs player |no=44 |nat=BUL |pos=MF |name=Ilia Gruev}}

{{fs player |no=45 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Harry Gray}}

{{fs end}}

{{football squad start}}

{{fs player |no=30 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Joe Gelhardt|other=at Hull City}}

{{fs player |no=50 |nat=WAL |pos=MF |name=Charlie Crew|other=at Doncaster Rovers}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Jack Harrison|other=at Everton}}

{{football squad mid}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Sam Greenwood|other=at Preston North End}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=DEN|pos=DF|name=Rasmus Kristensen|other=at Eintracht Frankfurt}}

{{fs player |no=|nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Darko Gyabi|other=at Plymouth Argyle}}https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4ngl7vk5nxo

{{football squad end}}

{{main|Leeds United F.C. Under-21s and Academy}}

{{fb oi header}}

{{fb cs staff |bg=y |p=Leeds United Football Club Limited ('LUFC') owners |s=49ers Enterprises}}{{cite news |title=49ers Enterprises assumes full ownership of Leeds United |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/club/31683/49ers-enterprises-assumes-full-ownership-of-leeds-united-football-club |access-date=17 July 2023 |publisher=Leeds United FC |date=17 July 2023}}

{{fb cs staff |bg= |p=Honorary president |s=David Lascelles, 8th Earl of Harewood}}{{cite web |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/club-news/24480/earl-of-harewood-named-honorary-president |title=Earl of Harewood Named Honorary President |date=1 February 2019 |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602111951/https://www.leedsunited.com/news/club-news/24480/earl-of-harewood-named-honorary-president |archive-date=2 June 2019 |access-date=2 June 2019}}

{{fb cs staff |bg= |p=Chairman |s=Paraag Marathe}}

{{fb cs staff |bg= |p=Vice chairman |s=Andrew Schwartzberg}}

{{fb cs staff |bg= |p=Director |s=Peter Lowy}}

{{fb cs staff |bg= |p=Director |s=Eugene Schneur}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5652378/2024/07/23/leeds-andrew-schwartzberg-gene-schneur/ |title=Leeds make boardroom changes with Charlotte Hornets co-owner Andrew Schwartzberg joining English club |work=The Athletic |last=Froston |first=Nancy |date=23 July 2024 |access-date=14 January 2025}}

{{fb cs staff |bg= |p=Chief executive|s=Angus Kinnear}}

{{fb cs staff |bg= |p=Chief operating officer|s=Morrie Eisenberg}}

{{fb cs staff |bg= |p=Chief strategy officer|s=Robbie Evans}}

|}

{{further|List of Leeds United F.C. managers}}

The club's current manager Daniel Farke is the forty-first permanent holder of the position since Leeds were founded. Leeds have also had ten caretaker managers, three of whom had previously occupied the role on a full-time basis, and one of whom occupied the role three times. The most successful manager of Leeds United is Don Revie, who won two First Division titles, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, one Second Division title, one FA Cup, one League Cup, and one Charity Shield in his 13-year reign as manager. He is also the club's longest-serving manager, presiding over 740 games from 1961 to 1974.{{cite web |url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-managerial-consistency-among-25483178 |title=Leeds United managerial consistency among the best in top-flight history |last=Chittick |first=James |work=Leeds Live |date=10 November 2022 |access-date=7 March 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/past-times/2998362/don-revie-kinross/ |title=How Leeds United legend Don Revie found peace in Kinross before MND diagnosis |work=The Courier Evening Telegraph |last=Drysdale |first=Neil |date=11 February 2022 |access-date=7 March 2023}}

Source:{{cite web |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/en/club-honours |title=Honours |publisher=Leeds United F.C. |access-date=8 March 2025}}

League

• First Division (level 1)
• Champions: 1968–69, 1973–74, 1991–92
• Runners-up: 1964–65, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72
• Second Division / Championship (level 2)
• Champions: 1923–24, 1963–64, 1989–90, 2019–20
• Runners-up: 1927–28, 1931–32, 1955–56
• League One (level 3)
• Runners-up: 2009–10

Cup

• FA Cup
• Winners: 1971–72
• Runners-up: 1964–65, 1969–70, 1972–73
• League Cup
• Winners: 1967–68
• Runners-up: 1995–96
• FA Charity Shield
• Winners: 1969, 1992
• Runners-up: 1974

{{Main|Leeds United F.C. in European football}}

• European Cup
• Runners-up: 1974–75
• European Cup Winners' Cup
• Runners-up: 1972–73
• Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
• Winners: 1967–68, 1970–71
• Runners-up: 1966–67
• Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Trophy play-off
• Runners-up: 1971

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{BBC football info|leeds-united}}

{{Leeds United F.C.}}

{{Leeds United F.C. seasons}}

{{Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winners}}

{{Premier League}}

{{EFL Championship}}

{{EFL League One}}

{{Men's football in West Yorkshire}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Football clubs in England

Category:Premier League clubs

Category:Association football clubs established in 1919

Category:Companies that have entered administration in the United Kingdom

Category:Football clubs in West Yorkshire

Category:FA Cup winners

Category:EFL Cup winners

Category:EFL Championship clubs

Category:1919 establishments in England

Category:Sport in Leeds

Category:Phoenix clubs (association football)

Category:Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winning clubs