Don Revie: The Architect of the Leeds United Dynasty
Donald George Revie was a transformative figure in English football, leaving an indelible mark as both a pioneering player and a legendary manager. While his career spanned several clubs and international roles, he is most revered for turning Leeds United from a Second Division side into a dominant force in European and domestic football during the 1960s and 70s.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Donald George Revie (1927–1989).
- Playing Peak: Innovated the deep-lying centre forward role at Manchester City.
- Leeds United Success: Won two First Division titles, one FA Cup, and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups.
- International Role: Managed the England national team from 1974 to 1977.
- Individual Honor: Named FWA Footballer of the Year for the 1954–55 season.
The Playing Career: Innovation and Influence
Revie began his professional journey in August 1944 with Leicester City. After a move to Hull City in 1949, he joined Manchester City in 1951 for £25,000. It was here that Revie fundamentally changed the game through the Revie Plan, a tactical innovation where he acted as a deep-lying centre forward—a role that allowed him to drop deeper into midfield to create opportunities, rather than staying fixed in the penalty area.
This tactical shift earned him the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1954–55. Despite a strained relationship with manager Les McDowall, Revie played a pivotal role in the 1956 FA Cup final, providing the assist for the opening goal and guiding teammates to a 3–1 victory over Birmingham City.
Following his time at Manchester City, Revie moved to Sunderland in 1956 for £22,000 and eventually joined Leeds United in November 1958 for £14,000. Over an 18-year playing career, he made 501 league and cup appearances, scoring 108 goals.
International Recognition
Revie's talent was recognized at the highest level, earning six caps for the England national team between 1954 and 1956. He scored four goals during this period, including a notable performance in a 7–2 victory over Scotland at Wembley in 1955. He also represented the Football League XI and the England B team.
The Managerial Era: Building a Powerhouse
In March 1961, Revie was appointed player-manager of Leeds United. At the time, the club was in the Second Division and lacked major silverware. Revie's vision transformed the club into a relentless winning machine.
Under his leadership, Leeds achieved a staggering array of success, including the Second Division title (1963–64), two First Division titles (1968–69 and 1973–74), and the FA Cup in 1972.
The 1968–69 season remains a highlight of his tenure; Leeds set records for the most points (67) and most wins (27) in a season, including a 34-match unbeaten run. Revie also expanded the club's reach in Europe, winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971.
Later Career and Controversies
In July 1974, Revie left Leeds to manage the England national team. His three-year tenure was viewed as unsuccessful and ended in controversy when he resigned to take a role with the United Arab Emirates. He later managed Al-Nasr and Al-Ahly in the Middle East.
Revie's legacy is often discussed alongside his rivalry with Brian Clough. Clough frequently criticized the aggressive style of Revie's teams, famously branding the players "cheats" and referring to the side as "Dirty Leeds." In a strange twist of fate, Clough briefly succeeded Revie as Leeds manager in 1974, though he lasted only 44 days.
Career Summary
| Role | Key Teams | Major Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Player | Manchester City, England | FA Cup (1956), FWA Footballer of the Year (1954–55) |
| Manager (Leeds) | Leeds United | 2x First Division, 1x FA Cup, 2x Inter-Cities Fairs Cup |
| Manager (Intl) | England, UAE | British Home Championship (1974–75) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the "Revie Plan"?
The Revie Plan was a tactical innovation at Manchester City where Don Revie played as a deep-lying centre forward, dropping back from the forward line to orchestrate play and create space for teammates.
How many league titles did Don Revie win as a manager?
Don Revie won the Football League First Division twice with Leeds United, in the 1968–69 and 1973–74 seasons.
Why was the term "Dirty Leeds" used?
The term was popularized by critics, most notably Brian Clough, to describe the aggressive and uncompromising playing style adopted by Leeds United under Revie's management.
Did Don Revie manage the England national team?
Yes, Don Revie served as the manager of the England national team for three years, from July 1974 until July 1977.
What other honors did Don Revie receive?
Beyond football trophies, Don Revie was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1969 for his services to football.