1998–99 Leeds United A.F.C. season

Leeds were expected to progress once more under manager George Graham after the former Arsenal manager guided Leeds to 5th place in his first full season in charge. Graham had added to his squad, signing defender Danny Granville and Dutch striker Clyde Winjard. After just 4 games Leeds went to top of the Premiership for the first time in their history. But rumours began to spread of George Graham taking the Tottenham job after Spurs had sacked Christian Gross, the saga dragged on when finally after a UEFA cup game against Maritimo of Portugal, Graham indeed left Leeds for Tottenham. Graham's assistant David O'Leary took charge as Leeds attempted to court Leicester boss Martin O'Neil, who eventually refused. But United's performances on the pitch began improving -despite only drawing several games, many teenage players were given debuts by O'Leary and put in great performances, such as the game against Italian giants Roma in the UEFA cup (although Leeds were knocked out). Needless to say, O'Leary was appointed manager in time for the game against Derby which ended 2-2. Leeds then began winning regularly, playing impressive attacking football. They had several talented youngsters, including goal keeper Paul Robinson, defenders Ian Harte and Johnathan Woodgate, mid fielders Lee Bowyer (who was signed from Charlton 2 seasons before) and Steven McPhail, as well as strikers Alan Smith and Harry Kewell. But David O'leary was eager to bring in experienced players to add to this young team, and signed David Batty from Newcastle. Batty was a key player in the Leeds side that won the old Division 1 title in 1992 and a fan favourite. In the run up to Christmas, Leeds were almost in contention for a shot at the title, but suffered back to back losses against Southampton and Newcastle in the new year. This ended any league-winning hopes, and they were also knocked out of the FA cup. Despite this, Leeds ended the season in red hot form, setting a record of 7 straight wins and a 1-0 victory over Arsenal, costing the gunners the title race. Leeds finished an impressive 4th place in the league - their highest finish yet. With this achievement, and with one of the most exiting young squads in the country, the future certainly looked bright for United.

Results summary

Results by round

Leeds United's score comes first[2]

Squad at end of season[3]

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

No. Position Player 1 GK Nigel Martyn 4 DF Alf-Inge Håland 5 DF Lucas Radebe 6 DF David Wetherall 7 MF Willem Korsten (on loan from Vitesse Arnhem) 8 FW Clyde Wijnhard 9 FW Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 10 MF Bruno Ribeiro 11 MF Lee Bowyer 12 MF David Hopkin 16 DF Danny Granville 17 FW Derek Lilley

No. Position Player 18 DF Gunnar Halle 19 FW Harry Kewell 20 DF Ian Harte 21 DF Martin Hiden 22 MF Tommy Knarvik 23 MF David Batty 25 DF Jonathan Woodgate 30 DF Robert Molenaar 36 GK Paul Robinson 37 MF Stephen McPhail[4] 39 FW Alan Smith 40 MF Matt Jones

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. Position Player 7 MF Lee Sharpe (on loan to Bradford City) 14 FW Andy Gray[5] (to Nottingham Forest)

No. Position Player 16 DF Danny Granville (on loan to Manchester City)

Reserve squad

The following players did not appear for the first team this season.

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

No. Position Player 2 DF Gary Kelly 3 DF David Robertson 14 GK Nuno Santos 15 GK Mark Beeney 24 MF Kevin Dixon 26 FW Tony Hackworth 27 DF Alan Maybury 28 DF Paul Shepherd 29 DF Mark Jackson 31 DF Paul Donnelly 32 MF Andy Wright

No. Position Player 33 MF Wesley Boyle 34 MF Andrew Quinn 35 FW Lee Matthews 38 DF Damian Lynch - DF Shane Cansdell-Sherriff - DF Gareth Evans - DF Kevin Evans - DF Jamie Price - MF Simon Watson - FW Warren Feeney