Leeds United Roar into the 20s

Leeds United’s history during the 1920s is a story of early promise, financial struggles, and eventual resilience. The club’s formation in 1919 followed the disbandment of Leeds City FC, a team that had been expelled from the Football League due to financial irregularities. Leeds United quickly sought to establish itself as a replacement for its predecessor, initially playing in the Midland League, a regional competition, before gaining admission to the Football League in 1920. This entry marked the start of the club’s professional journey, as they began competing in the Second Division.

In their first few seasons in the Football League, Leeds United found the going tough. Their initial seasons were marked by inconsistent results, and it was clear that the club needed a solid foundation to build upon. Key to this development was the appointment of Arthur Fairclough as manager in 1920. Fairclough, an experienced football figure, had previously managed Barnsley and brought with him a clear vision for Leeds United’s future. Under his stewardship, the team gradually improved, attracting a dedicated local following and making progress on the field.

The breakthrough for Leeds came in the 1923/24 season, when Fairclough guided the club to promotion from the Second Division to the First Division. Leeds United’s promotion was a significant achievement and a sign that the club was moving in the right direction. Their arrival in the First Division, however, brought new challenges. Competing against more established teams with greater financial resources, Leeds struggled to maintain their momentum. The club faced a difficult balancing act between competing on the pitch and managing its financial situation off it.

The mid-1920s were a period of both promise and difficulty for Leeds United. On the field, the club showed flashes of potential. In the 1926/27 season, they finished in the upper half of the table, and by the 1927/28 season, Leeds had secured their highest-ever league finish, placing fourth in the First Division. This remarkable achievement showed that the team had the quality to compete with the top sides in the country. Players like Tom Jennings, who was a prolific goalscorer for the club, became fan favorites and helped push Leeds to greater heights.



Tom Jennings was one of the most prolific goalscorers the club has ever seen.


However, while Leeds United enjoyed relative success on the pitch, financial troubles began to mount behind the scenes. The club’s revenues were not enough to sustain its First Division ambitions, and difficult decisions had to be made. One of the most significant moments during this period came in 1926 when Leeds were forced to sell their star striker Tom Jennings to Huddersfield Town for a then-record fee of £4,000. Jennings’ sale was a blow to the club’s ambitions, as he had been instrumental in their recent success. The decision to sell him reflected the financial reality Leeds United faced, as they struggled to balance the books.

The financial strain that the club was under began to take a toll on their performances. After several seasons of relative stability, Leeds United’s fortunes began to decline. In the 1926/27 season, the club's form faltered, and they were relegated from the First Division. This was a major setback for Leeds, as they had only been in the top flight for a few years and had shown signs of being able to establish themselves among England’s elite football clubs.

Relegation to the Second Division marked the beginning of a rebuilding phase for Leeds United. Arthur Fairclough, who had overseen the club’s promotion and early success, stepped down in 1927. He was replaced by Dick Ray, who had previously served as the club’s assistant manager. Ray’s task was to steady the ship and guide the team back to the First Division. Under his leadership, the club focused on regaining their competitive edge and rebuilding their squad.

The late 1920s were a period of consolidation for Leeds United. The team adapted to life in the Second Division and gradually improved their performances. Ray’s management style, which emphasized hard work and discipline, suited the club’s situation, and Leeds began to look like promotion contenders once again. By the 1929/30 season, Ray had assembled a team capable of challenging for promotion, and Leeds United successfully secured a return to the First Division.

The promotion at the end of the 1929/30 season was a testament to the club’s resilience and determination to overcome its financial difficulties. Leeds United had endured a tumultuous decade, marked by both highs and lows, but they emerged stronger, having learned valuable lessons about the challenges of competing at the highest level. The groundwork laid during this period set the stage for future successes, as Leeds United continued to develop as a football club with ambitions to establish themselves as a force in English football.

For a comprehensive history of this period see “1919-29 - The Twenties” on OzWhite's History of Leeds United

Period Summary	Division	Pos (Pts)	FA Cup	Lg Cup	Europe	Other
1920-1921 Details	Division Two	14 (38)	PR	-	-	-
1921-1922 Details	Division Two	8 (45)	R1	-	-	-
1922-1923 Details	Division Two	7 (47)	R2	-	-	-
1923-1924 Details	Division Two	1 (54)	R3	-	-	-
1924-1925 Details	Division One	18 (34)	R1	-	-	-
1925-1926 Details	Division One	19 (36)	R3	-	-	-
1926-1927 Details	Division One	21 (30)	R4	-	-	-
1927-1928 Details	Division Two	2 (57)	R3	-	-	-
1928-1929 Details	Division One	13 (41)	R4	-	-	-
1929-1930 Details	Division One	5 (46)	R4	-	-	-