1948-53 Frank Buckley: Challenging For Promotion
Buckley had previously managed Wolverhampton Wanderers to a runners-up position in the league, and to the FA Cup Final. However, his first season in charge of Leeds was another relegation battle, with Leeds eventually finishing 15th in the 1948-49 season that saw John Charles make his league debut.
The following 1949-50 season saw Buckley clear much of the dead wood from the side, replacing them with younger, fitter players. Buckley's new side finished a creditable 5th in the Second Division, and enjoyed a run to the 6th round of the FA Cup. The season also saw Leeds sign a 15 year old Jack Charlton.
The 1950-51 season was another period of transition for the club; Buckley continued to rebuild, with only seven original players remaining from the squad he had inherited in 1948, and Leeds eventually finished 5th.
The 1951-52 season saw Leeds finish 6th in the table. By this time, Buckley had grown steadily more frustrated with the inability of some players in the squad to fulfil their potential, whilst the lack of funds from the board made radical action impossible. Buckley's scouting and youth programmes were bringing talent through, but it was taking too long.
Buckley was 68 at the start of the 1952-53, and aware that the board was impatient for promotion. He switched Charles from his usual defensive position to a centre forward role, and was rewarded with 27 goals in 29 appearances. The season also saw Jack Charlton making his debut at centre back, replacing Charles. It wasn't enough; the previously tight defense missed Charles, and Leeds finished the season in 10th place. After five years as manager, Buckley resigned at the end of the season to take over at Walsall Town.
Read more about this topic: History Of Leeds United A.F.C.
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