Don Revie

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Lore & Background

Revie arrived in March 1961 to take charge of a struggling club, immediately establishing himself as both player and manager. He implemented a rigorous tactical system that relied on discipline and physicality, often criticized for being negative but highly effective. Under his guidance, Leeds won the Second Division title in 1963–64, securing promotion. The following years saw them dominate the First Division, lifting the trophy in 1968–69 and again in 1973–74. Their domestic cup success included winning the League Cup in 1968 and the FA Cup in 1972, where they secured their only major silverware under his management. In Europe, Revie's side won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971, establishing Leeds as a serious threat on the continent. Despite finishing as runners-up five times in the league and three times in the FA Cup, the sheer volume of silverware defined an era where Leeds were feared for their physical approach.

In Their Own Story

The transformation began in March 1961 when Revie accepted the player-manager role at a Second Division club with no major honors. He quickly reshaped the squad, leading them to win the Second Division title in the 1963–64 season. By 1968, Leeds had climbed to the top tier, securing the League Cup and their first Inter-Cities Fairs Cup trophy. The peak arrived in 1972 with an FA Cup victory, followed by a second European triumph in 1971. Revie's tenure culminated in winning the First Division title again in 1973–74. His departure in July 1974 to manage England marked a sudden end to this golden period. Although his time as England manager was unsuccessful and ended in controversy over allegations of financial misconduct, his impact at Leeds remained undeniable. The club honored him with a stand named after him and a statue outside the ground, cementing his status as a legend despite the later tarnish on his reputation.

Reader's Guide

Fans visiting Elland Road today encounter a stadium defined by Revie's legacy. A dedicated stand bears his name, serving as a constant reminder of the manager who built the club's identity. Outside the ground, a statue stands in tribute to his achievements between 1961 and 1974. The culture he instilled—characterized by intense physicality and tactical discipline—is still referenced by supporters when discussing the team's history. While Revie faced criticism for his negative style of play during his tenure, which was noted as highly physical across the country at the time, his success silenced many detractors initially. The club's history books record his two league titles and FA Cup win as the foundation of their modern identity.

Did You Know?

• Revie was appointed player-manager of Leeds United in March 1961 when the club was in the Second Division and had never won a major trophy.
• Under Revie, Leeds won the First Division title twice (1968–69, 1973–74) and the FA Cup once (1972).
• He managed England for three years after leaving Leeds in July 1974 before quitting to manage a team in the United Arab Emirates.
• Revie was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in May 1987 and died two years later on 26 May 1989.
• A stand at Elland Road is named after Revie, and a statue of him stands outside the ground.