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 Premier League 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 Stephen 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[1]

Squad at end of season[2]

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

No. Pos. Nation Player 1 GK  ENG Nigel Martyn 4 DF  NOR Alfie Haaland 5 DF  RSA Lucas Radebe 6 DF  ENG David Wetherall 7 MF  NED Willem Korsten (on loan from Vitesse Arnhem) 8 FW  SUR Clyde Wijnhard 9 FW  NED Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 10 MF  POR Bruno Ribeiro 11 MF  ENG Lee Bowyer 12 MF  SCO David Hopkin 16 DF  ENG Danny Granville 17 FW  SCO Derek Lilley

No. Pos. Nation Player 18 DF  NOR Gunnar Halle 19 FW  AUS Harry Kewell 20 DF  IRL Ian Harte 21 DF  AUT Martin Hiden 22 MF  NOR Tommy Knarvik 23 MF  ENG David Batty 25 DF  ENG Jonathan Woodgate 30 DF  NED Robert Molenaar 36 GK  ENG Paul Robinson 37 MF  IRL Stephen McPhail[lower-alpha 1] 39 FW  ENG Alan Smith 40 MF  WAL 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. Pos. Nation Player 7 MF  ENG Lee Sharpe (on loan to Bradford City) 14 FW  ENG Andy Gray[lower-alpha 2] (to Nottingham Forest)

No. Pos. Nation Player 16 DF  ENG 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. Pos. Nation Player 2 DF  IRL Gary Kelly 3 DF  SCO David Robertson 14 GK  POR Nuno Santos 15 GK  ENG Mark Beeney 24 MF  ENG Kevin Dixon 26 FW  ENG Tony Hackworth 27 DF  IRL Alan Maybury 28 DF  ENG Paul Shepherd 29 DF  ENG Mark Jackson 31 DF  IRL Paul Donnelly 32 MF  ENG Andy Wright

No. Pos. Nation Player 33 MF  NIR Wesley Boyle 34 MF  ENG Andrew Quinn 35 FW  ENG Lee Matthews 38 DF  IRL Damian Lynch - DF  AUS Shane Cansdell-Sherriff - DF  ENG Gareth Evans - DF  WAL Kevin Evans - DF  ENG Jamie Price - MF  NIR Simon Watson - FW  NIR Warren Feeney