History of Leeds United A.F.C. - 1930's

1930's

Leeds were inconsistent, to say the least; after their best ever finish, the club were relegated in the following 1930-31 season. The following 1931-32 season saw Leeds promoted back to the First Division, finishing runners-up to Wolverhampton Wanderers. On their return to the First Division, Leeds managed to finish 8th in the 1932-33 season, and 9th in 1933-34.

Wilf Copping left for Arsenal in 1934, and his absence made a big difference as Leeds slumped to 18th place in 1934-35. Dick Ray resigned as manager, and was replaced by Billy Hampson. Hampson went for experience and recruited former England internationals, such as Albert McInroy and George Brown. He also introduced promising youngsters Bert Sproston, Billy Furness and Eric Stephenson, who went on to play for England. In the 1934-35 season, Leeds adopted a half yellow-half blue strip, in tribute to the defunct Leeds City, and this kit stayed in place until 1948, with several variations on the colours being used between then and 1960-61. The club also adopted their first badge in 1934, using the city crest.

1935-36 saw the club achieve a respectable 11th place in the table, but 1936-37 brought another slump as Leeds finished 19th. 1937-38 saw an improvement and Leeds were even up amongst the title challengers in the early part of the season, with South African striker Gordon Hodgson scoring 25 goals in 36 League games. However, the side faded, and eventually finished 9th.

1938-39 was the last full season before World War II, and Leeds finished 13th.