Don Revie Stand

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Lore & Background

Donald Revie took charge of Leeds United in March 1961 when they were a Second Division side that had never won a major trophy. As manager, he engineered a rise that saw Leeds win the Second Division in 1963–64, followed by First Division titles in 1968–69 and 1973–74. His teams also claimed the FA Cup in 1972, the League Cup in 1968, and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in both 1968 and 1971. Although critics often targeted his physical approach, this era defined English football's competitive landscape. The stand bears his name because he built a dynasty that included two FA Cup runner-up finishes and two European runners-up spots, leaving an indelible mark on the club's identity before his controversial departure in July 1974.

In Their Own Story

The statue outside Elland Road stands as a silent sentinel to the man who once commanded the pitch from the dugout. Revie, born in Middlesbrough in 1927, began his playing career in August 1944 with Leicester City before moving to Hull City for £19,000 and Manchester City for £25,000. It was at Manchester City where he innovated the deep-lying centre forward role, earning FWA Footballer of the Year in the 1954–55 season and winning the FA Cup in 1956 after losing the final a year prior. At Leeds, his philosophy drove the team to six major trophies between 1968 and 1972. The stand commemorates a period where Leeds were First Division runners-up five times, showcasing consistency even when titles eluded them. Despite unproved allegations of bribery and financial misconduct that tarnished his reputation after he quit as England manager in 1984 due to controversy over moving to the United Arab Emirates, he remains a highly popular figure in Leeds. The stand ensures that his three years with the national team—ending with his diagnosis of motor neurone disease in May 1987 and death two years later—are remembered alongside his transformative club achievements.

Reader's Guide

Visitors to Elland Road arrive at the stadium where Revie managed from March 1961 until July 1974. The Don Revie Stand occupies the north side, offering a direct view of the pitch where Leeds United secured their first major trophy under his leadership in over half a century. The stand also reflects the era of European success, commemorating victories in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971. Fans often note the contrast between Revie's physical style—criticised by some but noted as characteristic of football across the country at the time—and the modern game. The presence of his statue outside the ground reinforces the connection to a manager who won representative honours for the Football League XI and England B team before leading Leeds to their golden age. Whether attending a league match or an evening fixture, the atmosphere in this stand recalls the discipline and ambition Revie instilled in every player he managed.

Did You Know?

• Donald Revie was named FWA Footballer of the Year in the 1954–55 season after innovating the deep-lying centre forward role at Manchester City.
• Under Revie's management, Leeds United won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup twice (1968 and 1971) and the FA Cup once (1972).
• Revie scored four goals in six England appearances during his playing career before becoming manager.
• Leeds finished as First Division runners-up five times under Revie, showcasing consistent high-level performance despite only winning two league titles.
• Revie retired in 1984 but was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in May 1987, leading to his death in 1989.