As Leeds Go Marching On
€22.99
This item will be released August 14, 2025.Description
In his meticulously researched chronicle of Leeds United, Jonny Cooper masterfully weaves together statistics and storytelling, creating a tapestry that captures the club’s illustrious history. As Cooper observes in the initial chapters, Leeds United’s essence has always transcended mere statistics on a scoresheet, embodying the essence of Yorkshire football.
The author’s unique position as both an Opta statistician and a lifelong supporter allows him to paint a picture that’s both analytically precise and emotionally resonant. His description of the Don Revie era is particularly compelling, offering fresh insights into how the legendary manager transformed a middling Second Division side into one of Europe’s most formidable teams.
Cooper’s narrative truly shines when discussing the statistical anomalies that have defined Leeds’ journey. For instance, he reveals that during the 1971–72 season, Leeds set a record for the longest unbeaten run in English top-flight football, conceding merely 24 goals in 42 matches—a defensive masterclass that exemplified Revie’s tactical brilliance.
The book takes a fascinating turn when examining the club’s more recent history. Cooper’s analysis of the Marcelo Bielsa era is particularly enlightening, using data to demonstrate how the Argentine’s high-intensity pressing game transformed not just results, but the very DNA of Leeds United’s playing style. His detailed breakdown of the promotion-winning 2024-25 season under Daniel Farke offers compelling evidence of how modern analytics have become integral to football success.
What sets this work apart is Cooper’s ability to humanise statistics. Rather than merely presenting cold, hard numbers, he contextualised them within the broader narrative of Leeds United’s rich tapestry. Whether discussing Billy Bremner’s tackle success rate or Patrick Bamford’s expected goals ratio, each statistic serves to enhance our understanding of the club’s journey.
The author’s intimate knowledge of the Elland Road atmosphere adds an extra layer of authenticity. His description of the famous “Marching on Together” anthem reverberating around the stadium during crucial matches helps readers understand why Leeds United continues to captivate football fans worldwide, regardless of their allegiance.
