The Reign of King John: 1949-57
| 1949-50: |
Leeds Stats: Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers and Teamsheets Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers Football League Tables for the Season |
United stalwart Tom Holley, announced his retirement, to take up a career in journalism. There was a ready made replacement in the shape of the young Welsh giant.
The Major, recalling his sparkling display in his side’s embarrassing 1-3 victory in the 3rd Round Cup tie at Elland Road, brought the diminutive Welsh International winger Harold Williams to Leeds for £12,000, while Roly Depear took the opposite route and United recouped £8,000. Several other players departed, amongst them keeper Jim Twomey and Centre Forward Albert Wakefield. Frank Dudley arrived, being exchanged for the latter, from Southend United.
United kicked off the season with Searson, Dunn and Jim Milburn, McCabe, Charles and Burden, Williams, McMorran, Browning, Moss and Rudd. Davie Cochrane returned from injury to take up his place on the right wing, Harold Williams reverting to the left wing and Frank Dudley replaced Moss to form what was to be the team for the rest of the season, with Eric Kerfoot sometimes deputising for Jim McCabe and Ray Iggleden appearing at inside forward. This was the season when United rediscovered themselves, finishing a creditable 5th with 48 points. They were only five points less than the promoted Sheffield Wednesday, who narrowly won promotion on goal average from Sheffield United and Southampton, who finished with identical points. However, the magnificent Tottenham Hotspur team of Ditchburn, Ramsey and Withers/Willis, Nicholson, Clarke and Burgess, Walters, Bennett/Rees, Duquemin, Baily and Medley won the championship and went on to take the First Division title the following season.
Charles confirmed his early promise and became the youngest player ever to represent Wales, when he made his International debut that year at the age of 18. After a terrible start to the season in which only one game was won from the first eleven matches, United, playing sometimes brilliant football, embarked on a magnificent spell and lowered their flag only five times in the remaining 31 fixtures. This included the thrashing of the previously unbeatable Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at Elland Road in front of a crowd of 50,476.
Not only did United give a good account of themselves in the league, but also had their best ever run in the FA Cup. Never usually progressing much further than the third round, United excelled themselves, clearing the first hurdle with a 5-2 victory at Carlisle. The 4th Round brought First Division Bolton Wanderers to Elland Road and after a 1-1 draw not even the most optimistic fan gave their team much hope in the replay at Burnden Park, but in the ankle-deep slush, United skated to a giant-killing 3-2 win.
Cup fever hit Leeds and when Second Division Cardiff City were drawn at Elland Road in the 5th Round, tickets went on sale at a reserve game and 20,000 attended, such was the demand. 53,099 fans squeezed into the ground to witness a famous 3-1 victory. First Division big guns Arsenal at Highbury was their reward, and the whole of Leeds wanted to make the trip. In a tremendous end-to-end tussle United gave as good as they got and only a 52nd minute toe-poke from Reg Lewis separated the teams, after Arsenal had hung on in desperation for the last 20 minutes. Arsenal went on to win the Cup that year with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Wembley.
Harold Searson, John Charles and Tommy Burden were ever-presents and Jimmy Dunnn was only absent twice. Frank Dudley and Harold Williams led the goal-scorers with 12 and 10 respectively.
A truly memorable season, which United fans hoped would be the springboard for future success.
| 1950-51: |
Leeds Stats: Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers and Teamsheets Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers Football League Tables for the Season |
1950-51 saw Jack Scott share goalkeeping duties with Harold Searson. Davie Cochrane retired early in the season after playing 175 times in a career shortened by the war. Ernie Stevenson came from Southampton in exchange for Frank Dudley halfway through the season. Tony Ingham had beenunable to break into the first team, and was allowed to depart to Queens Park Rangers for £5,000, where he went on to become their record appearance holder. The Major also picked up another £10,000 when Eddie McMorran left for Barnsley. He also made a real bargain in acquiring Eric Kerfoot for £3,000 from Stalybridge Celtic. He did, however, let a young Tommy Casey slip through the net. He was later to become an FA Cup-Winner with Newcastle United and was capped by Ireland.
Len Browning, after scoring 19 goals, was injured with half a dozen games to go and the Major experimented with John Charles at centre forward and was not surprised when the big man scored 3 goals. He had so much natural ability that it seemed he could slot into any position. The possessor of delicate ball skill, Charles was virtually unbeatable in the air, firm in the tackle, neat in distribution, powerful in shot and possessor of a calm temperament. He was still only 21, but seemed the complete footballer. He had scouts and agents flocking to Elland Road in their droves, to such an extent, that United warned clubs off in an editorial message in the club programme. Once again United finished fifth. With 48 points, they were just four points below the promotion requirement.
There was no FA Cup run to excite the fans. Middlesbrough were beaten 1-0 in front of 45,583 at Elland Road. The 4th Round trip to Old Trafford brought a 4-0 humbling from the Division 1 runners-up, Manchester United.
With Jim Milburn who was ever-present, and Jimmy Dunn missing only two, Grenville Hair deputising on both occasions, the defence had a strong base. The Half-back line was a permutation of any three from the emerging Eric Kerfoot, and the established John Charles, Tommy Burden and Jim McCabe. Up front was a different matter and several combinations were tried to no great effect. Peter Harrison established himself as Davie Cochrane’s replacement, Len Browning led the scorers with 19 and the effervescent Welsh International Harold Williams excelled, but others failed to live up to expectations. An unknown South African George Miller was given a chance on the recommendation of a friend of the Major’s and he was followed by fellow-countrymen Ken Hastie, Gordon Stewart and John Skene later in the 1950’s, none made much impact.
| 1951-52: |
Leeds Stats: Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers and Teamsheets Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers Football League Tables for the Season |
1951-52 saw Charles on National Service with the Royal Tank Regiment and also had cartilage problems. He was virtually irreplaceable but young Roy Kirk did well as his stand in, even pushing up as a centre forward after Len Browning had been transferred. Scott and Searson again shared duties between the sticks, inside forward Don Mills joined United from Cardiff City for £12,000 midway through the season, and a young Grenville Hair emerged to replace the aging Jim Milburn at left back. He left for Bradford but United’s long association with the Milburn Family was preserved as his nephew, a very young Jack Charlton, joined the juniors and another long chapter of the family association with Leeds had begun. Archie Gibson, Keith Ripley, Jimmy Ashall and Royden Wood were signed and began their United apprenticeships. The Major kept the cash inflow rolling by selling Len Browning to Sheffield United for £12,000 and later Roy Kirk to Coventry City for £10,000.
Ray Iggleden, had his best season for United and not only led the scorers with 19 but was the most regular performer missing only one game. However, despite possessing the reliable Tommy Burden, Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn and Grenville Hair, United lacked the necessary strike power. In a season of anti-climax, United finished 6th with 47 points, again only 4 points adrift from promotion.
Once again United progressed well in the Cup going down in a 5th Round second replay to First Division Chelsea. Two goals from temporary centre-forward Roy Kirk claimed victory in the Third Round at Rochdale, before Bradford Park Avenue were beaten at Elland Road by the same score. In the Fifth Round there were 1-1 draws at both Elland Road and after extra-time at Stamford Bridge, before United finally capitulated in extra-time at Villa Park in the second replay, but the final 5-1 score-line did not do them justice.
| 1952-53: |
Leeds Stats: Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers and Teamsheets Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers Football League Tables for the Season |
1952-53 saw Jack Scott ever-present in goal, In fact, the defence of Dunn, Hair, Kerfoot, Charles and Burden hardly missed a game between them. In the forwards it was a different matter and only Iggleden appeared often. There was a decided scarcity of goals and the Major solved this by once more pushing “Big John” up front. He did this in early October, the ever reliable Jim McCabe coming in at Centre Half with young local boy Jack Marsden deputising when he was injured.
He also purchased long time target Albert Nightingale from Blackburn Rovers, for £10,000, and the 5’3” bag of tricks Scotsman George Meek from Hamilton Academicals. Future England full back Jimmy Langley could not displace Grenville Hair and had to be content with a few games on the left wing. Andy McCall, father of Leeds born future Scottish International Stuart, was bought from West Bromwich Albion for £2,000. He had previously spent many seasons with Blackpool, where he had featured in the famous all M forward line of Matthews, Mortensen, McIntosh, McCall and Munro. Arthur Tyrer usually filled in for the injured Harold Williams on the left wing. There was also a debut on the final day for 17 year old Jack Charlton!
The inconsistent United disappointed to finish 10th with 43 points. They were well off the pace and again exiting the Cup in the Third Round, 2-1 at Brentford. With the ever-reliable Ray Iggleden also netting a dozen, United were a potent attacking force, John Charles scored 26 goals from 28 games up front and also scored in the one FA Cup game. In one spell he scored in six consecutive games, amassing 11 goals, including two hat-tricks. He adapted to his new role so well that he was immediately picked there for his country, to confirm his status as the most complete young player in Great Britain. Leeds had been dubbed unfairly “Charles United” by the press and pressure mounted for United to sell their young colossus, but the club steadfastly refused. Major Buckley was now 70 and after seeing United miss out on promotion once more, he moved on leaving behind the makings of a fine team and the legacy of unearthing John Charles and a very young Jack Charlton.
Horatio Stratton, Raich to most people, Carter recognized as one of England’s greatest ever inside forwards took over the reins, bringing with him 40 year old Leeds war-time guest-player, Eddie Burbanks
| 1953-54: |
Leeds Stats: Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers and Teamsheets Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers Football League Tables for the Season |
Jim Langley was allowed to leave United for Brighton and Hove Albion. He was later to find fame with Fulham and England. A young Jack Overfield was signed on. With George Meek lost to National Service he was loaned to Walsall, the club closest to his Army base, and United welcomed back Harold Williams, now recovered from his broken leg, and Eddie Burbank lined up on the other wing.
The season started in explosive fashion Charles scoring four times in a 6-0 drubbing of Notts County. This was followed by another Charles hat-trick as Leeds beat Rotherham 4-2. Although Charles finished with 42 goals from 39 games and another goal from 2 Cup games, an inconsistent Leeds could do no better than again finish 10th, once again with 43 points. Once again they failed to progress past Round 3 in the FA Cup, falling 1-0 at White Hart Lane to Tottenham Hotspur in a replay after the teams had shared six goals at Elland Road.
The team had stability. Scott and Wood shared goalkeeping duties, Dunn, Hair and Kerfoot were ever-present and Tommy Burden only missed one game. McCabe and Marsden share the pivot role, Williams, Nightingale, who scored 17 times, Charles and Iggleden hardly missed a game, and while George Meek was unavailable on National Service, Tyrer, Burbanks, McCall and Forrest filled in, where necessary.
Charles was unstoppable up front, crashing in power-packed shots from all angles and sending thumping headers ripping past bemused goalkeepers. He was the Football League’s leading scorer and broke just about every Leeds goal-scoring record.
United had turned on the floodlights at Elland Road and featured several night friendlies, but it did not disguise the fact that once again Leeds remained a Second Division club, albeit with Britain’s finest player.
| 1954-55: |
Leeds Stats: Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers and Teamsheets Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers Football League Tables for the Season |
1954-55 could not have got off to a worse start. Aging Jim McCabe had left the club and Jack Marsden was found wanting as United stumbled with five defeats from the first six games. The ever-dependable popular United Captain Tommy Burden, who had more than 250 appearances to his credit, left the club after a disagreement with the manager. Carter had berated Jack Scott over a goal conceded from a free-kick. Captain Burden defended his keeper by pointing out a tactical deficiency that had led to the goal being conceded. Sadly Leeds lost one of its finest and most dedicated servants, as he gave several more seasons sterling service to Bristol City, who he led to the Third Division (South) title and so gained his only football medal.
Veteran striker Harold Brook had been bought in the summer from Sheffield United and so, as Jack Charlton was on National Service, John Charles returned to centre-half to plug the holes left in the defence. Royden Wood took over in goal from Jack Scott, Keith Ripley emerged at right half, with Eric Kerfoot taking over Tommy Burden’s role at left-half. Late season, Ripley was pushed forward and Archie Gibson was given his debut at right-half. Williams and McCall were the wingers until the return of George Meek for the last 10 games of the season. Brook (16), Nightingale (13) and Forrest (9) provided the strike power. Mid season Charles had rocked United with a transfer request, but while Cardiff and Arsenal waited poised to make record bids, Sam Bolton refused his request. Considering their problems, Leeds did very well to reach 4th place with 53 points only one point behind promoted Birmingham City and Luton Town and third place Rotherham United, who all had the same number of points.
There was further humiliation in the FA Cup when, after being held 2-2 at Elland Road United were humbled in the Replay by Third Division (South) strugglers Torquay United, ironically led by former United striker Don Mills.
| 1955-56: |
Leeds Stats: Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers and Teamsheets Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers Football League Tables for the Season |
1955-56 had to be the year that United ended their 9 season sojourn out of the top division. The fans and Charles longed for football in the top flight and Carter must have known he was on borrowed time if he failed again. Royden Wood, Jimmy Dunn and Eric Kerfoot were ever-presents with John Charles absent only once, Grenville Hair was the regular left back with Jimmy Ashall deputising on occasions, Archie Gibson, was the main right half and Keith Ripley deputised. On the wings Harold Williams and George Meek were equally adept on either flank as local boy Jackie Overfield emerged as United’s new left winger. All were excellent in supplying the stream of crosses which the deadly John Charles converted into goals. Brook (16) and Nightingale (10) both regularly featured on the score sheet, but with the more frequent availability of Jack Charlton and Jack Marsden now more experienced, United could afford to unleash John Charles to a forward role and he scored 29 times in 28 appearances in the attack.
While United were almost unbeatable at home their away form was letting them down. When United’s proud home record was broken in March after 34 games by Blackburn Rovers, and then they lost the following away game at Stoke City, it looked as if United’s promotion dream was over for another year. The players responded brilliantly, beating Plymouth at home and then won a rare away victory at Fulham, but a loss away to Notts Forest the following day seemed to have shattered their chances. Amazingly United stormed through their final fixtures with six successive wins to finish runners-up to Sheffield Wednesday with 52 points, three behind the leaders but four more than the chasing pack.
Excitement had reached fever-pitch when promotion rivals Bristol Rovers visited Elland Road for the last home game of the season, with only away trips to Rotherham United and Hull City remaining. In front of a 49,274 crowd, Rovers arrived with a two point advantage, but United had a game in hand. Dai Ward stunned the home crowd by giving the visitors the lead after only three minutes, but a classic Charles header restored parity after 17 minutes. Ten minutes later the rampant Charles supplied Jackie Overfield, for the local boy to slam the winner off the underside of the bar. This moved United into second place on goal average. Two days later United made the short trip to Millmoor where an Albert Nightingale brace won the game against Rotherham United.
They now needed only a draw from their final game to ensure promotion. 15,000 Leeds fans made the trip to Boothferry Park, and the travelling faithful were soon dancing with delight as John Charles scored with a left foot thunderbolt. Hull City, who had already been relegated, hit back as Tommy Martin equalised after 13 minutes. On the hour George Meek was sent sprawling in the area. Charles hit the resulting penalty with such force that the keeper wisely dived out of its way and United were ahead and never looked in danger as Harold Brook also got two for United to run out 4-1 winners. John Charles and Leeds could now sample First Division opposition in the coming season.
In the FA Cup United started on the first leg of an unwanted trifecta. The same two teams played at the same ground and each time the score was the same, only their Divisional Status changed. 1955-56 saw Second Division Leeds meet First Division Cardiff City and lose 2-1 at Elland Road
| 1956-57: |
Leeds Stats: Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers and Teamsheets Season Statistics: Games, Results, Appearances, Goalscorers Football League Tables for the Season |
Leeds United and John Charles showed that they were more than a match for anything the First Division had to offer. They kicked off at Elland Road with a 5-1 humbling of Everton. There was a hat-trick from Harold Brook and one each from Overfield and Charles, with all the goals coming in the first 34 minutes. However, their celebrations were short lived as Albert Nightingale suffered an injury which ended his career.
Interestingly, United were in such a hurry that Jackie Overfield’s opener was the first scored by anyone in the entire Football League but, although he was ever-present, he failed to find the net again that season!
Despite the happenings on and off the field, United stuck to their task manfully with Royden Wood, Jimmy Dunn, Grenville Hair and Jackie Overfield all being ever-presents, Archie Gibson, George Meek and John Charles all only missing two games. Charlton was centre-half with Jack Marsden as his able deputy. Bobby Forrest, Keith Ripley, the young Chris Crowe and new signing George O’Brien shared the gap left by Nightingale and the aging Harold Brook who was restricted to 24 appearances. United also bade farewell to another fine servant, with Harold Williams returning to his native Newport for £750. He did return to Leeds after his playing days and was a regular supporter at home games with his good friends John Charles and Jimmy Dunn.
If the loss of Nightingale was not enough, on Tuesday, 18th September 1956, fire destroyed the West Stand. Players had to change in the nearby Whitehall Printers dressing rooms in Lowfields Road, then a 600 yard coach trip, and a run through the debris and on to the Elland Road pitch. United did well, in the circumstances, to finish 8th with 44 points. The FA Cup saw the second leg of the unwanted trifecta as the now two First Division sides again produced the same score line.
The unstoppable John Charles took the First Division by storm, scoring 38 goals from 40 appearances, easily the best in the First Division, where he was trailed by Jackie Mudie of Blackpool with 32 and Nat Lofthouse of Bolton Wanderers with 28. It was only bettered by Arthur Rowley with 44 for Second Division Leicester City and equalled by Brian Clough of Middlesbrough in the same Division.
It was to be the end of the reign of “King John”, however, as the lure of the lira took him to Italy for a record £65,000, with Juventus beating off Inter-Milan, Lazio and Real Madrid to secure his services. A crowd of almost 30,000 in the restricted stadium farewelled their hero in a 3-1 victory over Sunderland, Charles duly gave them two goals to remember him by. On his arrival in Turin, the final piece of the Charles transfer slotted into place without trouble. “Charles is the fittest man I know playing football. I have never seen a better human machine in a lifetime in medicine” the doctor examining Charles reported. The Gentle Giant was idolised as he rattled in 109 goals, won three Italian League Championships, an Italian Cup Medal, represented the Italian League and was named Italian Footballer of the year. Replacing him was going to be an impossible task.
Photographs of the era:
Teams:
1949-50
Back Row: Jim McCabe, John Charles, Harold Searson, Jimmy Dunn, Tom Casey, Jim Milburn.
Front Row: David Cochrane, Tom Burden, Frank Dudley, Jack Moss, Harold Williams.
1949-50
Back Row: Eddie McMorran, Frank Dudley, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, John Charles, Jim Milburn, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: David Cochrane, Ray Iggleden, Tom Burden, Len Browning, Eric Kerfoot, Harold Williams.
1949-50 (Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Eddie McMorran, Frank Dudley, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, John Charles, Jim Milburn, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: David Cochrane, Ray Iggleden, Tom Burden, Len Browning, Eric Kerfoot, Harold Williams.
1949-50 (Courtesy of John Cave)
Back Row: E.C. Taylor (Assistant Trainer), Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Jack Moss, David McAdam, Ray Iggleden, Jimmy Rudd, Jimmy Dunn, Willis Edwards (Trainer/Coach).
Middle Row: John Charles, Jim Bullions, Eddie McMorran, Major Frank Buckley (Manager), Sam Bolton (Chairman), Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Harold Searson, Len Browning, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: Harold Williams, David Cochrane.
1949-50(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: E.C. Taylor (Assistant Trainer), Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Jack Moss, David McAdam, Ray Iggleden, Jimmy Rudd, Jimmy Dunn, Willis Edwards (Trainer/Coach).
Middle Row: John Charles, Jim Bullions, Eddie McMorran, Major Frank Buckley (Manager), Sam Bolton (Chairman), Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Harold Searson, Len Browning, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: Harold Williams, David Cochrane.
1949-50
Back Row: Jimmy Dunn, Jim McCabe, John Charles, Harold Searson, Tom Burden. Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Eddie McMorran, Len Browning, Frank Dudley, Jimmy Rudd.
1949-50
Back Row: Jimmy Dunn, Jim McCabe, John Charles, Harold Searson, Tom Burden. Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Eddie McMorran, Len Browning, Frank Dudley, Jimmy Rudd.
1949-50 (Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Jimmy Dunn, Jim McCabe, John Charles, Harold Searson, Tom Burden. Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Eddie McMorran, Len Browning, Frank Dudley, Jimmy Rudd.
1949-50
Back Row: Tony Ingham, Jim McCabe, John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Eric Kerfoot. Len Browning, Bob Roxburgh (Trainer).
Middle Row:Stanley Blenkinsopp (Director), Harold Marjason (Director), Percy Woodward (Vice-Chairman), Sam Bolton (Chairman), Major Frank Buckley (Manager), John Bromley (Director), Hilton Crowther (Director), Arthur Crowther (Secretary).
Front Row: David Cochrane, Ray Iggleden, Eddie McMorran, Frank Dudley, Harold Williams.
1949-50 Touring Party to Holland May 1950 (Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Tony Ingham, Jim McCabe, John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Eric Kerfoot. Len Browning, Bob Roxburgh (Trainer).
Middle Row:Stanley Blenkinsopp (Director), Harold Marjason (Director), Percy Woodward (Vice-Chairman), Sam Bolton (Chairman), Major Frank Buckley (Manager), John Bromley (Director), Hilton Crowther (Director), Arthur Crowther (Secretary).
Front Row: David Cochrane, Ray Iggleden, Eddie McMorran, Frank Dudley, Harold Williams.
1949-50(Courtesy of Paul Gregson)
Back Row: Tony Ingham, Jim McCabe, John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Eric Kerfoot. Len Browning, Bob Roxburgh (Trainer).
Middle Row:Stanley Blenkinsopp (Director), Harold Marjason (Director), Percy Woodward (Vice-Chairman), Sam Bolton (Chairman), Major Frank Buckley (Manager), John Bromley (Director), Hilton Crowther (Director), Arthur Crowther (Secretary).
Front Row: David Cochrane, Ray Iggleden, Eddie McMorran, Frank Dudley, Harold Williams.
1949-50
Back Row: John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden.
Middle Row: Ray Iggleden, Len Browning, Major Frank Buckley (Manager), Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Frank Dudley, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: David Cochrane, Harold Williams.
1949-50(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden.
Middle Row: Ray Iggleden, Len Browning, Major Frank Buckley (Manager), Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Frank Dudley, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: David Cochrane, Harold Williams.
1949-50 Juniors
Back Row: Harry Darbyshire, Colin Hydes, A. Roper, Barrie Barker, Dick Wright, Peter Vickers, Stan Rhodes, Jim Longworth, Jack Marsden.
Middle Row: Brian Crowther, Bobby Webb, Stanley Blenkinsopp (Director), John Bromley (Director), Ron Mollatt, Billy Knott.
Front Row: H. Moore, J. Whiteley, W.H. Ward.
1949-50 Juniors (Courtesy Mark Ledgard)
Back Row: E.C. Taylor (Assistant Trainer), Harry Darbyshire, Colin Hydes, A. Roper, Barrie Barker, Dick Wright, Peter Vickers, Stan Rhodes, Jim Longworth, Jack Marsden, Willis Edwards (Trainer/Coach).
Middle Row: Brian Crowther, Bobby Webb, Stanley Blenkinsopp (Director), John Bromley (Director), Ron Mollatt, Billy Knott.
Front Row: H. Moore, J. Whiteley, W.H. Ward.
1949-50: Reserves
Back Row: E.C. Taylor (Assistant Trainer), Jack Hobson, Grenville Hair, Flannery, Dick Wright, Albert Wakefield, Joe Hilton, Ken Willingham, Willis Edwards (Trainer/Coach).
Middle Row: Ellis Corbett, W. Harry Luke, Desmond Frost, Major Frank Buckley (Manager), Sam Bolton (Chairman), Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Tony Ingham, Tom Casey, Eddie Bannister.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Frank Jerry Taylor.
1949-50: Touring Party at Amsterdam(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Arthur Crowther (Secretary), Harold Searson, Eddie McMorran, Sam Bolton (Director), Len Browning.
Middle Row: Stanley Blenkinsopp (Director), Jim McCabe, Tony Ingham, Frank Dudley, L. Brunt (Secretary of Royal Dutch F.A.), John Charles, John Bromley (Director).
Lower Middle Row: Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Tom Burden, Jim Milburn, Jimmy Dunn, Alderman A. Masser, Harold Marjason (Director).
Front Row: David Cochrane, Harold Williams, Ray Iggleden, Eric Kerfoot, Percy Woodward (Director).
1950-51
Back Row: John Charles, Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Frank Dudley, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn.
Front Row: David Cochrane, Ray Iggleden, Tom Burden, Len Browning, Harold Williams.
1950-51 Reserves(Courtesy Neil Roche)
Back Row: Bobby Ross, Roy Kirk, Grenville Hair, Jim McCabe, Des Frost, Jack Scott.
Front Row: Unknown #1, Ron Mollatt, Peter Harrison, Gwyn Jones, Unknown #2.
1950-51 Juniors(Courtesy Neil Roche)
Back Row: Lawrence Hutton, Keith Ripley, Eric Heathcock, Colin Hydes, Billy Knott, Brian Tomlinson, George Robert Gaylor, Byron Davies.
Front Row: Mel Charles, John Damont, Harry Haigh, G. Thompson.
1950-51
Back Row: Jimmy Dunn, John Charles, Harold Searson, Frank Dudley, Jim Milburn, Eric Kerfoot.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Ray Iggleden, Tom Burden, Jack Moss, Len Browning.
1950-51(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, George Miller, Len Browning, Frank Dudley, Harold Williams, Ray Iggleden.
1950-51(Courtesy of John Cave)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, George Miller, Len Browning, Frank Dudley, Harold Williams, Ray Iggleden.
Inset: John Charles.
1950-51(Courtesy of Paul Gregson)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Jim McCabe.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, George Miller, Len Browning, Frank Dudley, Harold Williams, Ray Iggleden.
Inset: John Charles.
1950-51(Courtesy of John Cave)
Back Row: Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Jim McCabe, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Roy Kirk, Eric Kerfoot.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Ray Iggleden, Jim Milburn, Tom Burden, Ernie Stevenson, Harold Williams.
Inset: John Charles, Len Browning.
1950-51 Team for game at Luton Town on 17th February 1951(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Jim McCabe, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Scott, Roy Kirk, Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Ray Iggleden, Len Browning, Tom Burden, Ernie Stevenson, Charlie Hughes.
1950-51 Team for game at Birmingham City on 21st April 1951(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Jim McCabe, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Eric Kerfoot, Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Ray Iggleden, Tom Burden, Ernie Stevenson, Harold Williams, Roy Kirk.
1950-51: Team for the Testimonial of Bert Brenan against York City at Bootham Crescent on 30th April 1951. (Courtesy of Jonathan Raine)
Back Row: Len Browning, Bobby Ross, Harold Searson, Roy Kirk, Eric Kerfoot, Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Ray Iggleden, Jim McCabe, Ernie Stevenson, Harold Williams.
1951-52
Back Row: Jim McCabe, Jimmy Dunn, Brian Taylor, Roy Kirk, Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Ray Iggleden, Len Browning, Tom Burden, Ernie Stevenson, Harold Williams.
1951-52(Courtesy of Paul Gregson)
Back Row: Jim McCabe, Jimmy Dunn, Brian Taylor, Roy Kirk, Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Ray Iggleden, Len Browning, Tom Burden, Ernie Stevenson, Harold Williams.
1951-52 Team Team for game at Birmingham City on 22nd August 1951(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Jim McCabe, Jimmy Dunn, Brian Taylor, Roy Kirk, Jim Milburn.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Ray Iggleden, Len Browning, Tom Burden, Ernie Stevenson, Harold Williams.
1951-52
Back Row: Grenville Hair, John Charles, Harold Searson, Jimmy Dunn, Frank Fidler, Eric Kerfoot.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Don Mills, Tom Burden, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1951-52
Back Row: Grenville Hair, John Charles, Harold Searson, Jimmy Dunn, Frank Fidler, Eric Kerfoot.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Don Mills, Tom Burden, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1951-52
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Searson, Grenville Hair, Frank Fidler, Don Mills.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Roy Kirk, Gordon Stewart, Tom Burden, Jim Milburn, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1951-52(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Inset: John Charles, Jim McCabe.
Back Row: Frank Fidler, Arthur Tyrer, Don Mills, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Scott, Grenville Hair, Charlie Hughes, Eric Kerfoot, Bob Roxburgh (Trainer).
Middle Row: Stanley Blenkinsopp (Director), Major Frank Buckley (Manager), John Bromley (Director), Percy Woodward (Director), Sam Bolton (Director), Hilton Crowther (Director), Harold Marjason (Director), Arthur Crowther (Secretary).
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Gordon Stewart, Tom Burden, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1951-52 Tour of Holland: May 1952: Team and Directors with Bus(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Arthur Crowther (Secretary), Sam Bolton (Director), Arthur Tyrer, Frank Fidler, Eric Kerfoot, Ray Iggleden.
Middle Row: Percy Woodward (Director), Jack Scott, Bobby Ross, Tom Burden, Jim McCabe, Jim Milburn, Don Mills, Grenville Hair, Peter Harrison, Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), John Bromley (Director).
Front Row: Harold Williams, Jimmy Dunn, Charlie Hughes, Gordon Stewart.
1951-52 Tour of Holland: May 1952: Team and Directors at Hotel(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Unknown, Jack Scott, Frank Fidler, Sam Bolton (Director), Harold Searson, Arthur Crowther (Secretary), John Bromley (Director).
Middle Row: Jim Milburn, Grenville Hair, Jimmy Dunn, Tom Burden, Harold Marjason (Director), Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Bobby Ross, Don Mills, Charlie Hughes, Arthur Tyrer, Ray Iggleden, Percy Woodward (Director).
Front Row: Jim McCabe, Gordon Stewart, Peter Harrison, Eric Kerfoot, Harold Williams.
1951-52 Tour of Holland: May 1952: Team with FC Haarlem Players(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Jack Scott, Jimmy Dunn, Eric Kerfoot, Jim McCabe, Peter Harrison, Don Mills, Grenville Hair, Frank Fidler.
Front Row: Tom Burden, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1952-53: One of the teams that took part in the pre-season trials before the 1952-53 season(Courtesy of Mark Ledgard)
Back Row: Monty Wright, Bobby Ross, Royden Wood, Jim McCabe, Arthur Tyrer, Frank Fidler.
Front Row: Peter Harrison, Peter Vickers, Ronnie Mollatt, Charlie Hughes, Andy McCall.
1952-53: Reserves(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Monty Wright, ?1, ?2, Royden Wood, ?3, ?4, ?5, ?6.
Front Row: Arthur Tyrer, Ronnie Mollatt, Jim McCabe, Ray Iggleden, Jimmy Langley.
1952-53
Back Row: Jim McCabe, Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Scott, Grenville Hair, Tom Burden.
Front Row: George Meek, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1952-53
Back Row: Jim McCabe, Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Scott, Grenville Hair, Tom Burden.
Front Row: George Meek, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1952-53(Courtesy of Paul Gregson)
Back Row: Jim McCabe, Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Scott, Grenville Hair, Tom Burden.
Front Row: George Meek, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1952-53(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jim McCabe, Jack Scott, Grenville Hair, Tom Burden.
Front Row: George Meek, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1952-53 In Changing Rooms Nottingham Forest 22nd April 1953(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
1952-53
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jim McCabe, Jack Scott, Grenville Hair, Tom Burden.
Front Row: George Meek, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
Back Row: George Meek, Jimmy Dunn, Grenville Hair, Gordon Stewart, Albert Nightingale.
Front Row: Jack Scott, Eric Kerfoot, Tom Burden, Jim McCabe, Ray Iggleden, John Charles, Bob Forrest.
1953-54(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Scott, Grenville Hair, Jim McCabe, Tom Burden.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Ray Iggleden, Eddie Burbanks.
1953-54
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Scott, Grenville Hair, Jim McCabe, Tom Burden.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Ray Iggleden, Eddie Burbanks.
1953-54
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Grenville Hair, Jack Marsden
Front Row: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Tom Burden, Ray Iggleden, Arthur Tyrer.
1953-54
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Grenville Hair, Jack Marsden
Front Row: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Tom Burden, Ray Iggleden, Arthur Tyrer.
1953-54(Courtesy of Paul Gregson)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Grenville Hair, Jack Marsden
Front Row: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Tom Burden, Ray Iggleden, Arthur Tyrer.
1953-54 Juniors(Courtesy Mark Ledgard)
Ken Noble, Malcolm Lawton, Leon Hurford, Peter McConnell, Arthur Rich, Derek Powell, Joe Conroy, Ernie Emmonds, John Reynolds, David Jones, Michael Evans, Dilwyn Jones, Peter Flynn.
1953-54 Juniors(Courtesy Mark Ledgard)
Ken Noble, Malcolm Lawton, Leon Hurford, Peter McConnell, Arthur Rich, Derek Powell, Joe Conroy, Ernie Emmonds, John Reynolds, David Jones, Michael Evans, Dilwyn Jones, Peter Flynn.
1953-54: Combined Leeds and Swansea Town team for Charity Match(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Unknown?1, Unknown?2, Mel Charles (Swansea Town), John Charles, Royden Wood, Jimmy Dunn, Bob Forrest, Eric C. Taylor (Trainer).
Front Row: Unknown?3, Unknown?4, Harold Williams, Ron Mollatt, Grenville Hair, Len Allchurch (Swansea Town).
1954-55(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Marsden, Jack Scott, Tom Burden, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Jim Toner, Bob Forrest, John Charles, Peter Vickers, Andy McCall.
1954-55(Courtesy of Thirkers of http://www.thirkersleeds.co.uk/page10/page10.html)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Marsden, Jack Scott, Tom Burden, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Jim Toner, Bob Forrest, John Charles, Peter Vickers, Andy McCall.
Inset: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale.
1954-55
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Marsden, Jack Scott, Tom Burden, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Jim Toner, Bob Forrest, John Charles, Peter Vickers, Andy McCall.
1954-55
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Marsden, Jack Scott, Tom Burden, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: George Meek, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Ray Iggleden, Harold Williams.
1954-55
Back Row: Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Harold Brook, Archie Gibson, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Eric Kerfoot, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Andy McCall, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Bobby Forrest and George Meek.
1954-55(Courtesy of Paul Gregson)
Back Row: Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), Harold Brook, Archie Gibson, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Eric Kerfoot, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Andy McCall, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Bobby Forrest and George Meek.
1955-56
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Archie Gibson, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale, Harold Brook, John Charles, John Henderson, George Meek.
1955-56(Courtesy of Paul Gregson)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Archie Gibson, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale, Harold Brook, John Charles, John Henderson, George Meek.
1955-56
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Archie Gibson, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Harold Williams, Albert Nightingale, Harold Brook, John Charles, John Henderson, George Meek.
1955-56
Back Row: Jack Charlton, Archie Gibson, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Grenville Hair, Eric Kerfoot.
Front Row: Harold Williams, George Hutchinson, John Charles, Peter Vickers, Jackie Overfield.
Inset: Albert Nightingale and Harold Brook.
1955-56
Back Row: David Jones, Byron Davies, John Harris, Royden Wood, Peter Gunby, Jimmy Ashall.
Front Row: ? Booth, Peter Flynn, ? Elston, ? Bell, Mick Lydon.
1955-56
Back Row: Barrie Barker, Keith Ripley, Jack Scott, Jack Charlton, Peter McConnell, George Fagan.
Front Row: John Woodhouse, Don Weston, Brian Monk, ? Sparrow, John Fenton.
1955-56: Promotion Celebrations
Raich Carter, Jack Charlton, Jimmy Dunn, Jack Overfield, Eric Kerfoot, Bob Roxburgh (Trainer), John Charles, George Meek, Grenville Hair, Keith Ripley.
1956-57
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Keith Ripley, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Grenville Hair, Jack Charlton.
Front Row: George Meek, Albert Nightingale, John Charles, Harold Brook, Jackie Overfield.
1956-57
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jimmy Dunn, Royden Wood, Archie Gibson, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: Jack Charlton, George Meek, John Charles, Harold Brook, Jackie Overfield, Bob Forrest.
1956-57
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jackie Overfield, Keith Ripley, Royden Wood, Bob Forrest, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: George Meek, Jack Charlton, John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Brook.
1956-57(Courtesy of Paul Gregson)
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jackie Overfield, Keith Ripley, Royden Wood, Bob Forrest, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: George Meek, Jack Charlton, John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Brook.
1956-57
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jackie Overfield, Keith Ripley, Royden Wood, Bob Forrest, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: George Meek, Jack Charlton, John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Brook.
1956-57
Back Row: Eric Kerfoot, Jackie Overfield, Archie Gibson, Royden Wood, Bob Forrest, Grenville Hair.
Front Row: George Meek, Jack Charlton, John Charles, Jimmy Dunn, Harold Brook.
1956-57: At The Movies
Back Row: Gerry Francis, ?1, ?2, ?3, Stanley Blenkinsopp (Director), Jack Marsden, Jack Charlton, ?4, Archie Gibson, Raich Carter.
Front Row: Jack Overfield, Jimmy Dunn, George Meek, Bob Forrest, John Charles.
1956-57: YBWET!
Royden Wood, Jack Charlton, John Charles, Keith Ripley, Eric Kerfoot, Grenville Hair, Harold Brook, Jimmy Dunn, Archie Gibson, George Meek.
1956-57: Tuesday 18th September 1956 Fire destroyed the West Stand
1956-57: Tuesday 18th September 1956 Fire destroyed the West Stand
Players/Managers:
Frank Buckley (Manager), Raich Carter (Manager), Jimmy Ashall , Eddie Bannister , Ron Barritt , Harold Brook , Len Browning , Jim Bullions , Eddie Burbanks , Tommy Burden , Tommy Casey , John Charles , Jack Charlton , Davie Cochrane , Chris Crowe , Byron Davies , Bobby Dawson , Frank Dudley , Jimmy Dunn , Frank Fidler , John Finlay , Peter Flynn , Bob Forrest , Des Frost , Archie Gibson , Grenville Hair , Peter Harrison , Ralph Harrison , Ken Hastie , Jock Henderson , Joe Hilton , Billy Hudson , Charlie Hughes , George Hutchinson , Ray Iggleden , Tony Ingham , Eric Kerfoot , Roy Kirk , Jim Langley , Micky Lydon , Jack Marsden , David McAdam , Jim McCabe , Andy McCall , Frank McKenna , Eddie McMorran , Sam McNeish , George Meek , Jim Milburn , George Miller , Don Mills , Ron Mollatt , Jackie Moss , Albert Nightingale , George O'Brien , Jackie Overfield , Keith Ripley , Bobby Ross , Jimmy Rudd , Jack Scott Harry Searson , Barry Smith , Ernie Stevenson , Gordon Stewart , Jerry Taylor , Brian Taylor , Jimmy Toner , Arthur Tyrer , Peter Vickers , Bobby Webb , Tom Wheatley , George Wilkins , Harold Williams , George Willis , Royden Wood .