The 1981–82 season was Leeds United A.F.C.'s 63rd season in their history, and their 18th consecutive season in the Football League First Division.

Season summary

For the first half of the campaign, this season appeared to be a carbon-copy of the previous one, with a terrible start followed by an improved run of form that lifted Leeds into mid-table by Christmas. This time, however, Leeds completely imploded after the turn of the year, plunging them right back into relegation trouble, with a series of expensive signings (most notably Peter Barnes, signed for a then-club record £800,000) generally proving misfires.

Despite this, the club still picked up enough wins that a victory over Brighton in the penultimate match lifted them out of the drop zone, leaving them only needing to avoid defeat to fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion on the final day. However, Leeds went down to a 2-0 defeat, confirming relegation. While chairman Manny Cussins initially promised that Clarke would be allowed the opportunity to take Leeds straight back up, he later changed his mind and sacked him, instead appointing Eddie Gray as player-manager.

League table

First-team squad

Squad at end of season ^[1]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK   ENG John Lukic — DF   ENG Neil Aspin — DF   ENG Trevor Cherry — DF   ENG Neil Firm — DF   ENG Brian Greenhoff — DF   ENG Paul Hart — DF   SCO Kenny Burns — DF   SCO Frank Gray — MF   ENG Tony Arins — MF   ENG Peter Barnes — MF   ENG Gary Hamson — MF   ENG Kevin Hird

No. Pos. Nation Player — MF   WAL Carl Harris — MF   WAL Brian Flynn — MF   WAL Gwyn Thomas — MF   SCO Arthur Graham — MF   SCO Eddie Gray — MF   SCO Tommy Wright — FW   ENG Aiden Butterworth — FW   ENG Frank Worthington — FW   ENG Terry Connor — FW   WAL Steve Balcombe — FW   SCO Derek Parlane

Left club during season

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — DF   WAL Byron Stevenson (to Birmingham City)

Reserve squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK   ENG David Seaman

Transfers

In

• Frank Gray - Nottingham Forest, 31 May, £300,000
• Peter Barnes - West Bromwich Albion, 1 August, £930,000
• Kenny Burns - Nottingham Forest, 14 October, £400,000
• John Sheridan - Manchester City, 2 March
• Frank Worthington - Birmingham City, 8 March, swap

Out

• Neil Parker - Scarborough, 1 July, free
• Jeff Chandler - Bolton Wanderers, 1 October, £40,000
• Tony Arins - Scunthorpe United, 1 November, free
• Keith Parkinson - Doncaster Rovers, 1 January, free
• Alejandro Sabella - Estudiantes, 1 January, £120,000
• Byron Stevenson - Birmingham City, 1 March, swap

Transfers in: £1,630,000

Transfers out: £160,000

Total spending: £1,470,000

Loaned out

• Keith Parkinson - Hull City, 1 November
• Neil Firm - Oldham Athletic, 1 March
• Brian Flynn - Burnley, 4 March

References