Friday May 29th was the twentith anniversary of Don Revie's death.

Even how to pronounce his surname caused controversy! Some say its "Revvy" to other's its "Reevee".

But to Leeds fans he was God and still is.

Even as a fan who had only set-foot inside ER just a few months before his passing, I could appreciate the legend that is Revie. Back then, when I attended my first Leeds game against Ipswich Town in March '89, although the stadium looked tired, weary and the great man had left office a decade and half earlier - you could still sense the aura and achievement of Revie who took an entire club, run-dpwn and virtually unknown outside of Yorkshire (bar John Charles of course and a few other exceptions) and turned them into one of Europe's most finest and fiercesome teams.

Born in Middlesbrough on 10th July 1927, after an impoverished childhood Revie first found success with Leicester City, then Hull City but his finest times as a player came at Maine Road, Manchester. Revie helped City to glory in the 1956 FA Cup final and the using of him as a "deep lying centre-forward" proved to have devastating effect and arguably help revolutionise tactics in this country.

After a brief spell with Sunderland, he arrived at Leeds to finish his playing career that included six England caps in 1958. In 1961 he expressed an interest to move into management and vacancies at Chester and Bournemouth were on his radar. Luckily Leeds gambled on him and he was appointed player-manager in March that year. Despite nearly being relegated to Division Three in his first full season in charge, the boards' faith paid off and Leeds went on an amazing journey that included one FA Cup, one League Cup, two Fairs Cup's and two League Titles, as well as a string of near misses.

Time was called in 1974 when he became England manager. The Leeds "Glory Years" were over.

His move away from the comforts and adulation he enjoyed at ER amplified the many criticisms that had dogged him throughout his career at Leeds. His tactics were hated by the likes of Brian Clough, who accused his teams of foul-play, gamesmanship and pressurising referees. Others went further, accusing him of trying to induce opponents with "bribes". His dossiers on the opposition were ridiculed at the time (nowadays it is taken for granted that most teams will either watch their forthcoming opponents live or on DVD!). He was villified for his commercial deals, for example with Admiral and getting England players appearance money. He was portrayed as someone obsessed with money, "Don Readies" was one such brickbats hurled his way. Thinking about the money awash in football today, maybe he was simply ahead of his time?

Having left England in 1977 to manage the UAE, the FA slapped a ten-year-ban on him working in England, which was later overturned in the High Court. After a couple of brief coaching spells in the Middle East, Revie retired to Edinburgh, the home of his wife Elsie. He was then struck down with motor neurone disease and passed away on Friday May 29th 1989.

It was the late Brian Moore, the TV commentator who broke the news of Revie's death during the Liverpool v Arsenal title decider in which George Graham's Gunner's dramatically won 2-0. Tributes were hung at the Elland Road gates and by the time Graham arrived as Leeds boss in September 1996, the club had renamed the North Stand "The Don Revie Stand". There is also a small memorial of Don and his captain Billy Bremner, who also is sadly no longer with us near the John Charles Stand.

As newer generations of Leeds fans come to Elland Road, it is important they know their history and the heroic contribution Don Revie made to our football club. Goodness knows what Don would make it the shambles that is Leeds United today and all the shenanighans that have gone on these past eight years or so.

So in memory of a great man and happier times...thanks Don!

Photo: Action Images

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