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Dick Ray was one of the most loyal personnel that Leeds football has ever seen. Playing for Leeds City in his
younger days and managing Leeds United twice in a commitment that lasted for over 30 years with few breaks. Ray
from the Potteries town in Newcastle-under-Lyme was in fact the first ever Leeds United manager. Seeing them
through their debut season in the 1919-20 Midland League, before Fairclough took over when Leeds were elected
to the second divison. Ray stayed on as assistant through the first half of Fairclough's management and came
back in 1927 as the new Leeds United manager.
His first season in charge and Ray pushed Leeds back to division one, sticking mainly with the good squad that
was left by Fairclough and a significant signing by Ray, Charlie Keetley who scored 18 goals in 16 appearances.
Back in the top flight and in their second season up drove Leeds United to 5th spot (United's best ever position
until Don Revie arrived), but Leeds were relegated the following year. Ray's Leeds did not spend too long
relegated, fighting their way back directly after relegation, gaining promotion as runners up. Leeds enjoyed
two seasons in mid table comfort in the 1st division with the help of England internationals Edwards, Hart and Copping.
Copping left for Arsenal before 1934-35 and this proved damaging as Leeds slumped to 18th place. By which time
Ray had already resigned.
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| League |
Season |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
Pos |
Notes |
| Midland |
1919-29 |
34 |
11 |
9 |
14 |
57 |
55 |
31 |
12th |
Leeds United's first ever season in the Midland League. |
| Division 2 |
1927-28 |
42 |
25 |
7 |
10 |
98 |
49 |
57 |
2nd |
Promoted in Ray's first season back. |
| Division 1 |
1928-29 |
42 |
16 |
9 |
17 |
71 |
84 |
41 |
13th |
Mid table comfort for the first season back in top flight. |
| Division 1 |
1929-30 |
42 |
20 |
6 |
16 |
79 |
63 |
46 |
5th |
The best ever finish for a Leeds side till Don Revie arrived. |
| Division 1 |
1930-31 |
42 |
12 |
7 |
23 |
68 |
81 |
31 |
21st |
Leeds relegated, winning only 12 games. |
| Division 2 |
1931-32 |
42 |
22 |
10 |
10 |
78 |
54 |
54 |
2nd |
Leeds bounce back up after finishing runners up. |
| Division 1 |
1932-33 |
42 |
15 |
14 |
13 |
59 |
62 |
44 |
8th |
Leeds have a good season back finishing 8th. |
| Division 1 |
1933-34 |
42 |
17 |
8 |
17 |
75 |
66 |
42 |
9th |
Leeds keep it safe with an England international defence. |
| Division 1 |
1934-35 |
42 |
13 |
12 |
17 |
75 |
92 |
38 |
18th |
A star leaves and Ray resigns before Leeds slump to 18th. |
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| Season |
Honour |
| 1927-28 |
Division Two Runners-Up (Promotion) |
| 1931-32 |
Division Two Runners-Up (Promotion) |
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Leeds United 1929-30 (Dick Ray Top, Left) |
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