Leeds

Pre-Leeds United

Leeds United's predecessor Leeds City was formed in 1904 and elected to league membership in 1905. Leeds City were forcibly disbanded by the Football League in 1919, in response to allegations of illegal payments made to players during the First World War. Leeds City's assets were sold off on 17 October, the same day supporters gathered and voted unanimously to form Leeds United, they received an invitation to enter the Midland League, being voted into it on 31 October, taking the place vacated by Leeds City Reserves. Following Leeds City's disbanding, Yorkshire Amateurs bought their Elland Road stadium and then sold it to Leeds United for £250.

Huddersfield Town chairman Hilton Crowther loaned Leeds United £35,000 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.

1920–1960: Beginnings

On 31 May 1920, Leeds United were elected to the Football League. Leeds consolidated their position in the Second Division and in 1923–24 won the title and with it promotion to the First Division. Leeds 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. 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.

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 1946–47 after the war, Leeds United were relegated again, with the worst league record in their history. After this season, Hampson resigned (he stayed 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 United 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 fee of £65,000. On 30 November 1957, Gerry Francis became the club's first black player. Leeds United were then relegated to the Second Division in 1959–60.

1961–1974: Don Revie era

On 17 March 1961, Don Revie was appointed as manager following the resignation of Jack Taylor. His stewardship began in adverse circumstances; the club was "in financial difficulty" and in 1961–62 only a win in the final game of the season saved the club from relegation to the Third Division. Revie implemented a youth policy and a change of kit colour to an all-white strip in the style of Real Madrid, and Leeds United won promotion to the First Division in 1963–64. Leeds United finished second in the league on goal average in 1964–65, and also reached the final of the FA Cup, losing to Liverpool at Wembley after extra-time. Leeds United again finished second in the league in 1965–66, whilst also reaching the semi-finals of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, losing on aggregate to Spanish side Real Zaragoza. Leeds United finished fourth in the league in 1966–67, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing to Chelsea and the final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, losing to Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb.

Leeds United nearly doubled their record transfer in 1967–68, buying Sheffield United centre-forward Mick Jones for £100,000. Leeds won their first major trophy, the League Cup, beating Arsenal in a tense final at Wembley. Leeds finished fourth in the league and were beaten in the FA Cup semi-finals by Everton. They also reached a second successive Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final and this time won the trophy, beating Hungarian side 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. Leeds won their first league title the following season, after a draw with challengers Liverpool at Anfield, whose supporters congratulated Leeds. 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.

Leeds United broke the British transfer record in 1969–70, by signing Leicester City centre-forward Allan Clarke for £165,000. Leeds targeted the treble and came close to achieving it, only to fail on all three fronts in a congested close season, finishing second in the league to Everton, losing the FA Cup final to Chelsea (after a replay), and exiting the European Cup with a semi-final defeat to Celtic. Leeds and Arsenal both challenged for the league title the following season, though it would be Arsenal who would claim it, finishing one point ahead after the former lost to West Bromwich Albion following a controversial "offside" goal. Leeds were also knocked out of the FA Cup by Fourth Division side Colchester United, but did again find success in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, beating Juventus in the final over two legs.