Paul Reaney, born London, England, October 22, 1944. A strong and versatile defender, Paul Reaney made an astonishing 745 appearances in all competitions for Leeds United between 1962 and 1978.
Paul Reaney’s story begins in London, but it was the West Riding of Yorkshire that became his true home. Reaney moved north as a child, and by the time he left school at 15, he was working as a car mechanic, but his life took a dramatic turn when Leeds United manager Don Revie spotted his potential and signed him as an apprentice. Making his professional debut shortly before his 18th birthday in 1962, he quickly established himself as a key figure in the team. His debut season saw him rack up 35 league appearances, a remarkable feat for someone so young. Leeds United were in the Second Division at the time, and it was Reaney’s contributions that helped the club win promotion in the 1963-64 season, securing the Second Division title. His rise at Leeds coincided with the club’s own ascent under Don Revie. Leeds quickly became a dominant force in English football, and Reaney, with his fierce competitiveness and disciplined defending, became an integral part of this success. The club, now playing in the First Division, began challenging for top honors, and Reaney was ever-present in the team, showcasing his ability to nullify even the most talented attackers. By the mid-1960s, Leeds United were vying for the biggest prizes in English football, and Reaney was one of their standout players. During the 1964-65 season, Leeds came agonizingly close to winning both the First Division title and the FA Cup as they finished second in the League to Manchester United and were defeated by Liverpool in the FA Cup Final. Reaney’s performances, though, were consistently lauded, and it was clear that he was on the path to becoming one of the best defenders in the country. In particular, Reaney’s ability to read the game and his disciplined approach made him a nightmare for attackers. George Best, one of the finest forwards of the era, famously rated Reaney as one of the two best defenders he had ever played against.
The 1967-68 season marked a period of great success for Leeds United, and Reaney played a pivotal role. Leeds secured their first major domestic trophy under Revie by winning the League Cup, and they followed this up by claiming the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, a precursor to the UEFA Cup. Reaney’s performances in both competitions were vital, and his ability to contribute in both defense and attack made him an all-around threat. His defensive solidity combined with his pace down the right flank allowed Leeds to play with a balance that other teams struggled to counter. The 1968-69 season saw Leeds United capture the ultimate domestic prize: the First Division championship. Leeds were relentless throughout the campaign, and Reaney missed just three league games, forming a key part of the side’s formidable defense. That year, Leeds set records for the fewest goals conceded in a league season, with Reaney’s discipline and tenacity playing a major part in their defensive success. This was a golden period for Leeds, and Reaney was at the heart of it, winning two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups (1967-68 and 1970-71) and adding an FA Cup triumph in 1972 to his honors. However, this period was also marked by personal misfortune for Reaney. In March 1970, just as Leeds were aiming for a historic treble of the League championship, FA Cup, and European Cup, Reaney suffered a broken leg during a match against West Ham United. The injury was a severe blow not just for Leeds, who missed his presence in the crucial final months of the season, but also for Reaney’s international aspirations. As a result of the injury, he missed out on a place in the England squad for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Reaney’s absence during Leeds’ failed treble bid of 1969-70 was seen by many as a major factor in their inability to secure any of the three trophies. Leeds finished second in the league, lost the FA Cup final to Chelsea, and were knocked out of the European Cup by Celtic in the semi-finals. Despite the disappointment, Reaney remained an integral part of Leeds’ successes in the following seasons.
Despite the setback, Reaney recovered from his injury and returned to the Leeds United squad for the 1970-71 season. His comeback was impressive, as he quickly regained his place in the team and helped Leeds to another Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph. Leeds, however, continued to experience near-misses in domestic competitions. The 1971-72 season saw them win the FA Cup, with Reaney playing a key role in their victory over Arsenal in the final. However, they once again fell short in the league, finishing second behind Derby County. The 1972-73 season was one of the most frustrating for Reaney and Leeds. Although they reached the finals of both the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, they were defeated by Sunderland and AC Milan, respectively. These losses compounded a sense of what could have been for Reaney’s Leeds career, but it was clear that he remained one of the club’s most consistent and reliable performers. Reaney’s Leeds United career continued into the mid-1970s, with the 1973-74 season bringing another league title to Elland Road. Leeds went on an incredible 29-match unbeaten run to secure the First Division championship for the second time under Don Revie’s management. This triumph was the culmination of Leeds’ dominance throughout the decade, and Reaney’s role in their success cannot be understated. His performances over the years had made him a fan favorite and a stalwart of the club. Leeds’ run to the European Cup final in 1974-75 was another significant achievement for the club, but once again, they were denied in the final, losing 2-0 to Bayern Munich in controversial circumstances. Reaney, now one of the most experienced players in the squad, continued to give his all for the team, but after 745 appearances for Leeds, his time at the club came to an end in 1978 when he was granted a free transfer. After leaving Leeds United, Reaney signed with neighbors Bradford City, where he spent two seasons before moving to Australia to play for Newcastle KB United. Although these stints lacked the glamour of his Leeds days, they reflected his passion for the game and his willingness to continue playing at a high level.
While Paul Reaney’s club career was illustrious, his international career with England was more limited. In 1968, he earned his first cap for the national team in a match against Bulgaria, becoming the second non-white footballer to represent England, following Frank Soo. His inclusion in the England squad was groundbreaking, particularly at a time when racial diversity in football was rare. He made two more appearances for England, with his final cap coming in 1971 against Malta. Unfortunately, his broken leg in 1970 likely curtailed further international opportunities, including his participation in the World Cup. Though he only won three caps, Reaney’s contribution to English football’s progress in terms of race and inclusion is significant. While Viv Anderson is often credited as the first black player to represent England, Reaney’s mixed-race heritage has been reevaluated over time, leading many to recognize him as a pioneer in his own right. Paul Reaney Playing Career: Leeds United, Bradford City, Newcastle KB United.