Leeds United 1972-73

From the mid-1960s until the mid-1970s, manager Don Revie took a Leeds United team that yo-yo'd between the first and second divisions of English football, and turned them into a world footballing powerhouse. It was a team that picked up plenty of trophies, although perhaps not as many as it should have, as they became the nearly men of English football, finishing as runners up in the league and FA Cup on numerous occasions. 1972-73 was one of those nearly years for Leeds - they finished third in Division One, and were denied a successful defence of their FA Cup crown by way of an upset at the hands of Second Division Sunderland, in the 1973 FA Cup Final.

Staff:

Manager - Don Revie:

A controversial figure, a man of superstition, Revie left nothing to chance, preparing detailed dossiers on his team's opponents. He was a man that was ahead of his time, and he was like a father figure to most of this Leeds squad.

Squad:

Best 11:

Backup 11:

Key Players:

Billy Bremner (Captain):

The driving force in the Leeds midfield, Bremner was short in stature, but was a giant in terms of heart and skill. A born leader, Bremner was Revie's first lieutenant on the pitch.

Jack Charlton:

This was Charlton's final season as a player. He retired as a one club man, and to this day holds the all-time appearance record for Leeds United. Charlton formed a legendary centre-back pairing alongside Norman Hunter. Charlton was a member of the 1966 England World Cup winning team.

Trevor Cherry:

A recent signing from relegated Huddersfield Town, the versatile Cherry would go onto become a key player and eventual club captain.

Allan Clarke:

'Sniffer' was so nick-named for his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, and for his cool, calculated finishing ability. Clarke heads into this season on the high of being the man who scored the goal that sealed Leeds' first FA Cup.

Terry Cooper:

For years Cooper was Revie's first choice left-back, but he would miss the entirety of this season due to a broken leg suffered at the back end of the previous campaign. Robbed of his pace, he would struggle to regain the form of old.

Johnny Giles:

The man that made things tick alongside Billy Bremner at the heart of the Leeds midfield. Giles was discarded by Leeds' bitter rivals, Manchester United, a decade prior, and he played with a chip on his shoulder ever since. It's fair to say he proved his former employers wrong many times over.

Eddie Gray:

A tricky winger that possessed almost unmatched dribbling ability. It's frightening to imagine just how good Gray could have been if he hadn't struggled so frequently with injury.

David Harvey:

1972/73 was Harvey's breakthrough season. The costly mistakes had finally caught up with Gary Sprake, and Harvey would go on to cement the number 1 shirt as his own.

Norman Hunter:

"Norman bites yer legs." There have been few tacklers in football history quite as ferocious as Norman Hunter. But to describe Hunter as merely a tough tackler doesn't do him justice - Hunter could play, and was notorious for his marauding runs out of defence.

Mick Jones:

A hardworking forward who formed a deadly partnership up front with Clarke.

Joe Jordan:

A powerful young striker recently brought down from Scotland.

Peter Lorimer:

The most feared shot in English football, if not world football. 'Lash' was so nicknamed for the incredible power and accuracy with which he could strike a ball, seemingly from any range. To this day Lorimer remains Leeds all-time leading goalscorer.

Paul Madeley:

Leeds United's 'Rolls Royce'. A classy player capable of playing just about anywhere on the pitch, a skill that meant he was rarely left out of the starting 11.

Gordon McQueen:

A classy young centre-back recently brought down from Scotland with an eye to being the long-term replacement for Jack Charlton.

Paul Reaney:

Leeds first-choice right back, seemingly forever, Reaney wasn't only an outstanding defender, his pace and crossing ability made him an invaluable attacking tool.

Gary Sprake:

For years Sprake was Leeds first-choice 'keeper, and he was a top 'keeper, but by this point, several high-profile blunders meant his time as first choice was over, and ultimately his time at Leeds was drawing to a close.