May 6 – Leeds Lift the Cup
ALTHOUGH the Don Revie era was the most successful period in the history of Leeds United, all too often Revie’s team were unlucky runners-up. During his tenure, they finished second in the League five times, finished as runner-up in the European Cup, and runners-up in the FA Cup three times.
Having been beaten finalists in the Cup in 1965 and 1970, Leeds finally got it right today in 1972 by winning the famous old trophy at Wembley.
As it was the Centenary Final (although not the 100th final because of breaks for the wars) prior to the match all past-winners of cup paraded colours around stadium, but Leeds captain Billy Bremner was not impressed: “I believe it was all a bit of a shambles which did not surprise me. The only professional point was when Tommy Steele led some singing.” he said.
Both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also honoured the occasion with their presence – one of the few Cup finals that has seem them both in the Royal box.
Leeds opponents were Arsenal, Cup holders and League champions the previous season, but the double winners were largely second best throughout the match with the Leeds defence marshaled superbly by 36-year-old Jack Charlton who had one of his best games for the club.
Despite Leeds dominance, during the first half they were frustrated and Revie and the fans must have started to think it might be another case of the Yorkshire club not getting the result they deserved. They needn’t have worried. Eight minutes into the second half Mick Jones centered the ball and Allan Clarke headed home what would turn out to be the winning goal.
As the clock ticked down it looked like a day of unbridled joy for Leeds but in the 88th minute the atmosphere was tempered when Mick Jones, who had set up the goal, dislocated his shoulder. Just minutes later the referee blew for time and Leeds had won the FA Cup for the first, and so far only, time.
Billy Bremner delayed climbing the steps to get the trophy while Jones got treatment on the pitch. Jones eventually made it up the steps, heavily-strapped and aided by Norman Hunter, clearly in agony, to receive his medal.
FA Chairman Dr Andrew Stephen said: “We are all delighted with this young man’s (Jones) determination to be presented to the Queen. It was very much appreciated in the Royal Box.”
Meanwhile the rest of the Leeds players were celebrating. Bremnerrecalled afterwards: “I wiped my hands on my shirt and (the Queen) gave me a lovely smile. I think she said, ‘Very well done, you have earned it’, but you don’t really take it all in when you’ve got thousands of people just waiting for you to lift the trophy in the air.”
The mastermind behind the Leeds operation was similarly enthused. Don Revie said: “I have waited and sweated a lot of years for today but it has been worth it. This is the second happiest day of my life: the first was when we beat Liverpool to win the championship.”
Two days later Leeds played Wolves at Molineux in a ‘double decider’. This was their eighth massive game in a month and they needed a draw for title.
Leeds were denied what looked like three clear penalties by ref Bill Gow and lost 3-1. Brian Clough’s Derby won the title whilst the team was on beach in Majorca and Cloughy was with his family in the Scilly Isles.
From Cup joy to relegation despair, also on this day. More from us tomorrow as usual, so come back then if you haven’t succumbed to swine flu.
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