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Paul Madeley, or "Mister Versatile" as he was known, managed to
appear in every outfield position in his 17 years at Elland
Road. Madeley's time at Leeds covered the rise and fall of the club
from Division 2 to Champions, League and FA Cup winners and success in
Europe and heading back towards relegation by the time he retired from
the game in 1980. He had a successful testimonial year in 1976-77.
He had great positional awareness, and was by no means a makeweight
when played up front, but it was in defence - most usually at left
back or centre back - that he made the majority of his appearances.
In some quarters, his versatility is seen as a partial cause of Leeds'
downfall: if there was an injured player or if someone was off form,
we could just stick Paul in his place instead of looking for a more
permanent replacement - but the club's problems in the early 80's were
much more deep-seated than that. He retired in 1980 to open a sports
shop and continue his involvement in the successful chain of home
decor stores run by the family.
Thanks to Keith Rhodes for the second photo up there. He says: The
photo is of (most of) the 1st 15 rugby team at Parkside school in
60-61. You should be able to spot him, as he hadn't changed much in
appearance as of the late 70's. If you can't, he is 2nd row 2nd in
from the left. I'm in there too, but we will leave that a secret.
Alan Fisher says: My sister went out with Paul very briefly in the
early 60s. I didn't know anything about it until several years later
when I was watching Match Of The Day and she said "Is that Paul
Madeley? I used to go out with him.". I nearly fainted at the thought
of all the free match day tickets I could have had if she hadn't been
selfish enough to dump him! I was really upset...
Joe Croft says: I'm an old aquaintance of Pauls and used to play
soccer with him at Crossflats Parkside schools. Currently I live in
New Zealand but on a recent trip back I bumped into a couple of old
mutual friends, Alan Milburn and David Kenworthy. We talked about the
old days and about Paul winning the sprints at Parkside Rugby
Ground.
Luke Fieldhouse says: My dad has known Paul since they were
schoolmates and I met him for the first time last year. Very polite
and likeable bloke - and I was somewhat starstruck. My Dad's name is
Derek and I think he may well have partaken in a sprint or two on
Parkside ground. Then went on to captain Farsley Celtic.
Malcolm Hamer says: Why did Paul pull out of the 1970 England World
Cup Squad? Did he give a reason? Domestic problems, maybe?
Craig Madeley says: We are the Australian Madeley's and are related
to the great man. I have even named my son Paul (aged 8) who plays
left defender for our local side. Great Site....
Mark Madeley says: Paul is my Dads cousin Ken, he is from
Middleton. It's a small small world!
Chris Wright says: late in his career i watched him have to retake
a throw in 4 times to please the refs 'feet on the line' rule, never
seen it since. where is our hero now?
Angela Heron nee Hargreaves says: I was a Cub Scout Leader with the
16th S. W. Leeds (St Mary's) Group in the late 40's early 50's
Michael, John and Paul were all cubs. My parents also had a newsagents
business in Cross Flatts Grove and one of my memories is of Saturday
evenings when the Leeds supporters would all replay the match whilst
waitng for the sports post. I still follow Leeds and wish them all the
best although I now live in the south of England.
Peter Tennant says: Hello, It's some information about Paul Madeley
that I am after, I have a question. In the league cup semi-final
against Derby in 1968, Paul lost "what" in the mud.Please if you can
help, please respond. Many thanks Peter
Adam Madeley says: I know Paul Madeley he's my half-cousin and he's
got a beautiful Merc
Andy Bell says: Any deatils of Paul's England record. When did he
debut in particular. Jabba says - look at any Rothmans! However, just
for you he made his debut in 1971 against Northern Ireland and his
last game was against Holland in 1977.
Dave Pedder says: I live on the site of Paul Madeley's open air
swimming pool. He lived in the house next door, but sold it to his
brother John, who built the house i live in today. We received some
old papers regarding the house from the solicitors the other day and
they turned out to be signed by Paul!
Chris Madeley says: paul madeley mighit be my dads brothers son
whats his farthers and mothers first names? please dad would like to
know.!! ps my farthers name is ernist(ernie for short)madeley.
Javaid Mehar says: I used to go to school with Paul's son Jason(did
he have a funny running acion!). I can't remember if Paul had another
son at Fulneck at the same time. and Norman Hunter's son Michael. I
saw Paul and Norman at school quite a few times dropping off their
lads/sports days,etc.
Bunminho says: In answer to the question of why Paul Madeley didn't
go to the 1970 World Cup, Leeds had just come off a long, hard season,
with about 60 games played in all (42 league games, European Cup semi
finals, FA Cup final, plus replay) and Paul was exhausted. He needed a
break.
Rory Madden says: Paul Madeley was a most under-rated player of
real quality.He never let the side down.He never questioned where he
was asked to play-unlike today's pampered so-called superstars.He is
one of my favourite Leeds United players.What would he be worth
today?
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