The Remarkable Story of Paul Madeley: A True Leeds United Legend

Paul Madeley played for Leeds United for 17 years. During that time he played in every position apart from the goalkeeper. He was Leeds through and through. The players loved him, the fans loved him. Don Revie loved him enough to give him the nickname “Leeds United’s Rolls-Royce”. Madeley just oozed quality. He was undoubtedly The Majestic Rolls Royce of Leeds United. He was Paul Madeley: Leeds legend.

As a result of injuries to Jack Charlton and Freddie Goodwin, Madeley made his debut for Leeds in 1964. He became a regular first-team player two seasons later. Such was Madeley’s ability he would often find himself played in various positions in each game. He would come to wear every number from 2 to 11 in his time with Leeds United.

Madeley the Striker

During Leed’s 1-0 win against Arsenal in the 1968 League Cup Final he would wear the number 9 shirt and play striker. Revie would often utilise him as a striker in his early days of becoming Leeds manager.

In 1971 he scored a vital away goal against Juventus which helped Leeds win the Fairs Cup. This time wearing the Number 11 shirt and playing left midfield. His versatility led to the Leeds fan’s nickname “The Eleven Pauls”.

Madeley turns down Ramsey

It was no surprise that in 1970 England came calling. Madeley was approached by Alf Ramsey to be a part of England’s 1970 World Cup squad. However, to everyone’s surprise, he turned the offer down citing his apparent lack of playing time that would be available to him. Madeley stayed home and decided to rest rather than take a place on the bench with no guaranteed playing time.

1971 became a pivotal year for Madeley. He would eventually earn his first England cap against Northern Ireland playing at right-back. With Leeds, he would yet again push for a First Division title but fall short on the final day of the season. During the League season, he didn’t miss a game.

Versatile Madeley

In April 1972, left back Terry Cooper suffered a broken leg. As a result, Madeley switched to the No. 3 shirt for the FA Cup final, which Leeds finally won with a 1–0 win over Arsenal. Trevor Cherry was purchased to replace Cooper and Madeley was moved to partner with the ageing Jack Charlton. He wore the No. 5 shirt as Leeds lost the FA Cup final to Sunderland, and the European Cup Winners Cup to A.C. Milan in controversial circumstances.

Leeds finally won the league title they so cherished in 1974. Madeley would play all but three games in a season that saw Revie depart for the England job at the end. Leeds continued their progress with a European Cup Final berth the following season which they lost to Bayern Munich controversially.

A Blank Contract

A one-team man Madeley was more concerned about performing for his beloved Leeds than money.

Jimmy Armfield recalled Madeley signing a new Leeds deal saying: “He once actually signed a new contract on what was virtually a blank piece of paper.” Armfield asked how many years he would like in his contract. Madeley replied: “Either way, I’ll just leave it to you. I just want to play for Leeds.” That summed Madeley up. it was always football first …the fans second….money was never a driving force.

Paul Madeley Leeds Legend

All told Madeley made 727 appearances for Leeds United between 1963 and 1980. In addition, he represented his country 24 times.

In 1992 he successfully had a benign brain tumour removed and in 2002 he suffered a minor heart attack. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004. Unfortunately, Madeley passed away in 2018 aged 73.

He was the majestic Rolls Royce of Leeds United. He was a true Leeds United legend.