Doing a Leeds

The early 2000s were a tumultuous period for Leeds United, marked by financial instability and a series of managerial changes that profoundly impacted the club. In the 2003-2004 season, Leeds United faced relegation from the Premier League signalling the start of sixteen year of wilderness out of the top-flight of English football.

Relegation

The 2003-2004 season was a challenging one for Leeds United, marked by managerial instability and poor performance on the pitch. Under the stewardship of Peter Reid, who was appointed midway through the previous season, the team struggled to find form. Reid, along with interim managers Eddie Gray and Kevin Blackwell, could not reverse the club’s fortunes as Leeds hovered precariously near the relegation zone. Despite a spirited effort, the squad was plagued by inconsistent performances and a lack of cohesion, culminating in a disappointing 19th-place finish in the Premier League.

The relegation was the result of a series of missteps and financial issues that had plagued the club for some time. The failure to secure vital points in crucial fixtures sealed Leeds United's fate, sending them down to the Championship after a 14-year stint in the top-flight. The drop into the second tier marked the beginning of a difficult period for the club, characterized by financial instability and a struggle to regain their former status.




Championship & Administration

The 2004-2005 season saw Leeds compete in the Championship under Kevin Blackwell. Despite a promising start, the team struggled to maintain consistency and finished mid-table. The following season, 2005-2006, brought a glimmer of hope as Leeds secured a 5th-place finish in the Championship and qualified for the play-offs. However, their aspirations were dashed when they were defeated by Watford in the final, missing out on promotion back to the Premier League.

The 2006-2007 season was catastrophic for Leeds United. The club’s financial difficulties came to a head as Leeds went into administration, a situation exacerbated by mismanagement and mounting debts. The impact was severe, culminating in relegation to League One. Leeds would be deducted 10 points for going into administration, but having been relegated already the deduction would take effect in the next season.




15 Points Who Gives a F**k

The financial chaos continued into the 2007-2008 season, the EFL deducted Leeds an additional 5 points for failing to comply with the EFL's rules on insolvency, bringing the total deduction to 15 points. Leeds United's appeal against the 15-point deduction was unsuccessful, as a majority of voters rejected a reduction in the penalty. Despite the deduction, Leeds United started the season well under Dennis Wise, topping the table briefly at Christmas.

Leeds flying high, but in a surprise move Wise left the club on 28th January 2008 to take up a role at Newcastle United as Sporting Director. Gary McAllister would take over from Wise, leading the team to the play-off final against Doncaster Rovers. In the final, Leeds couldn't break the deadlock despite first half chances. Doncaster's James Hayter scored the decisive goal with a header in the 48th minute. Leeds struggled to find an equalizer, with several efforts either saved or off-target. The final whistle marked a bitter end to Leeds promotion bid, leaving them to reflect on missed opportunities and a narrow defeat.

For a full history of this period see “2004-17 - Down Among The Deadmen” on OzWhite's History of Leeds United



Period Summary Division Pos (Pts)
FA Cup
Lg Cup
Europe
Other
2003-2004 Details Premier League 19 (33)
R3
R3
-
-
2004-2005 Details Championship 14 (60)
R3
R3
-
-
2005-2006 Details Championship 5 (78)
R3
R3
-
-
2006-2007 Details Championship 24 (36)
R3
R3
-
-
2007-2008 Details League One 5 (76)
R1
R2
-
FLT (NQF)

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