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DON REVIE was encouraged by the performance of his team in the 1973 European Cup Winners' Cup final, and also with the attitude of the players, who were determined to make the critics eat their words, for there were many who had said that Leeds were over the hill, after the shock Wembley defeat by Sunderland. And so Leeds United breathed a sigh of relief when Revie decided against moving elsewhere and instead got down to the job of preparing for the 1973-74 campaign, and working out a plan of action aimed at improving the image of his much maligned side. There had been some criticism during the previous season of the methods that Leeds had at times employed, and in addition to the oft used one of over physical play, there were now also accusations of too much gamesmanship or play acting.

It is true to say that over the past decade United had, because of their continuous success, been subjected to severe pressure, as it was they who were usually considered to be the team that everyone else had to beat, and they had been used so often as the yardstick against which other sides could measure up their own capabilities. But having said that, it is also true to say that Leeds had always been a ruthlessly professional side - they couldn't have survived so long at the top otherwise - and although some of the criticisms levelled against them had been exaggerated, they were not entirely without substance as a persistently bad disciplinary record proved. Don Revie rather placed his head on the chopping block then, at the start of the new season, when he made a public statement promising a vast improvement in the behaviour of his men on the field, and he even went so far as to say that he hoped United might get through the season without receiving a single booking - although this was probably said somewhat tongue in cheek.

For the umpteenth time Leeds United made those who doubted their ability look very foolish, when they began the 1973-74 season in sensational fashion by winning their first seven league matches, scoring 19 times in the process. It had become clear very early that the First Division title was well within United's capabilities and not surprisingly that great honour became the main target, particularly when weakened sides were fielded in the League Cup at Ipswich, where Leeds lost 2-0, and in the U.E.F.A. Cup, where they made their exit in round three. 

The team to knock United out of Europe was Vitoria Setubal who lost by the only goal at Elland Road in the first leg, but won by 3-1 in Portugal, to take the tie and also become the first side to score more than twice against Leeds, for in nine years of travelling abroad two goals was the most that United had ever conceded away from home.

April 1973: These Wolves players look dejected - and no wonder. Billy Bremner runs with arms raised towards the United fans after scoring the goal that was to win the F.A. Cup semi-final at Maine Road.

When December came around 17 League matches had been played, and Leeds were riding high at the top of Division One still unbeaten, with the main question seemingly who, if anybody, could beat a team that at times was looking invincible - but there was no shortage of sides who were all too ready to boast that they would be the first. Ipswich Town for example, were well placed in the table and confident that they could repeat their earlier League Cup success over United at Portman Road, yet they were found wanting when it mattered most and Terry Yorath, Mick Jones and Allan Clarke all scored second half goals, whilst the home team failed to muster even one in reply. A week later it was Chelsea who were sure that they would work the oracle at Stamford Bridge, yet they too were not good enough, going down 2-1, and when Boxing Day arrived Newcastle United were certain that they were the chosen ones, but 54,474 at St. James' Park were stunned when the Tynesiders had to give second best to 'Super Leeds', for whom Paul Madeley netted a rare but decisive goal.