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Paul Reaney was born in Fulham in West London, but left at an early
age when the family moved to Leeds, attending Cross Green school in
the city. He spent a year in various jobs - mainly as a motor mechanic
- before joining Leeds' groundstaff at the age of 16. He said: "I
always wanted to be a professional footballer - I knew I wouldn't be
happy doing anything else."
'Speedy' was a great full-back who had all the qualities needed
in both attack and defence. He was quick on the overlap and could
produce a pinpoint cross, but he became well-known for his goal-line
clearances, appearing out of nowhere to cancel out chance after
chance.
A broken leg in a league game against West Ham at the end of the 1970
season ruled him out of the Cup Final against Chelsea - and also put
him out of contention for the England World Cup Squad. With a bit more
luck he could easily have won more than the three full caps he
did collect.
He had a testimonial year in 1975-76, culminating in a match
against Newcastle on May 3 1976, and remained with the club for two
seasons beyond that. After 18 years at Elland Road, he moved on to
Bradford for a couple of years before moving out to Australia to
finish his career. He was named Australia's Player of the Year in
1980, and returned to England when his playing days finally ended.
John Briggs says: I played in the goals for the school team Cross
Green C.S. Paul played centre forward. We got to the schools cup
final. The opposing centre forward was Mike O'Grady who played for
Corpus Christi.
Neil Reaney says: I saw Paul Reaney play, too young to go to school
with him, he never drinks so wouldn't be found anywhere near a pub,
but he has had me decorate his house (for nothing of course) 'Stan' is
my Old Man! One quite humurous story went something like this: He was
playing a game at Anfield in the late sixties and against his old
adversary Ian Callaghan, they used to kick lumps out of each other and
as they went for a header Callaghan caught 'Stan' on the nose and
broke it. Les Cocker attending to another injured white could not
accompany Dad to the dressing room to be seen to so the Liverpool
physio at the time had to tend him. When Dad moved his hand from his
face the physio was aghast at how much swelling there was on and
around the nose. Stan promptly jumped of the treatment table, looked
in the mirror, turned to the physio and screamed 'it's always that
size you cheeky b*****d!!!!!!
Lesley Sagar (née Yearwood) says: Many years ago at the
London Hospital I was the nurse on duty when Paul was brought in with
his broken leg. He very kindly asked me if I would like his jersey,
not being English I was not quite sure why he thought I would want a
smelly shirt, but I accepted it not wanting to offend. Since then I
married an English man who informed me of the honour that was bestowed
on me! I did keep the shirt for many years. I don't remember much
about Paul except that he was very brave. I think they transferred him
out of the London the next day. That was many, many years ago, and I
hope life has been kind to him.
mark says: sorry if this is an old debate but is Paul mixed race
i.e of West indian or African descent? If so then surely Paul was the
first 'black man' to play for England ...if Halle Berry is a Black
woman or a "woman of colour" then Paul Reaney should hold that honour
(for the records) and not Viv Anderson.
Wayne Price says: Im a 22year old Leeds Fan from South Wales so
obviously never saw Paul play. My Dad is also a Leeds fan and caught
the back end of Pauls leeds career and even now says he was the best
right back Leeds ever had. Ive got the the' Leeds United:The glory
years ' video and Paul was an ever present in that Great Revie
team. What I want to know is how did this guy only play three times
for his country ? Who else was around at the time ? We are talking
about a guy who was an ever present for one of the best teams in
Europe for 10 straight years !! 3 caps is a disgrace. Hope You are
well Paul. leeds fans never forget a legend and you are up there with
the rest of them.
Paul Skellett a Liverpool Fan says: Jimmy Greenoff was the best
players for Leeds United in the early sixties.
Michael Grace says: A great man and player who I had the pleasure
to meet and speak to on more than one occasion this weekend (May Day
Bank Holiday 2003). He is still very fit and is coaching. He was very
happy Sunday evening unlike me a West Ham fan after Leeds beat
Arsenal.
A Houston says: I've had the wonderful opportunity up until
recently to work with Paul on matchdays down at Elland Road. He is a
total lunatic but also one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Good
luck Paul, you are a true legend.
Martin Reaney says: paul reaney is my cousin
Martin Reaney says: he is my grandads cousin
Dan Reaney says: hello my name is dan reaney and paul is my grandad
. he is a good cathlic man and i am proud of his doings in the game of
football. when he was young he was a caddy at a golf club for a bit of
cash .he has only had 1 hair cut in his life and he uses shoe pollish
on his head. xx dan reaney xx
lewis parry says: my son Richard had a coaching session with Paul
at a Haven holiday centre in the 80's. Paul made Richard captain,and
was a good motivator, and a really kind person.
Yorkshrman says: Paul was one of my favourite players, growing up
watching the "Revie" team in the 60s / 70s. Iwas lucky enough to meet
him in one of the hospitality suites a couple of years ago .... afraid
I turned into a gibbering 14 year old again, rather than a
professional 40-something! Thanks for all the great memories, Paul
...
david kamasz says: hi there, i had the opportunity to play football
with paul for an australian team called newcastle kb united in 1980-81
even then he was so fit for his age.being from leeds myself i used to
ask him about the glory days during the revie era it was facinating to
listen to the stories,hope your doing well paul,all the
best,,kama,,,,
Amefika says: hey paul is one of the best black footballer he even
represent england as a black man thats great cause in those days
england people hate blacks thank u paul
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