A lot of people won't remember that Don Revie was a player. Such
were his achievements and fame - or as uncharitably minded, jealous or
spiteful little shits like Emlyn Hughes might say, notoriety - as a
manager, that his playing career sometimes get passed over. The fact
is that he played for nearly 20 years at the top level, picking up 6
England caps while at Manchester City, FA Cup losers and winners
medals with City and he even had a style of play named after him: the
"Revie Plan" involved the use of a deep-lying centre-forward and it
was that plan that brought City such success in the mid-1950s. His
skills were recognised at the time with the accolade of "Footballer
of the Year" in 1955.
Revie joined Leeds as a player in 1958, but as player and
subsequently captain could do nothing to stop the team slipping into
Division 2. With his on-field career drawing to a close, he started
putting his name forward for a managerial role elsewhere, but he was
persuaded to stay on at Elland Road as player-manager, and finally
ended his on-field career in 1963.
Steve Cocker says: I knew Don Revie very well from an early age as
my dad was one of the coaches at Leeds from 1960 & a kinder man i
have yet to meet. None of the Ferguson, Wenger, Houlier attitude that
seem to have surfaced in the past few years. i have lost count of the
autographed footballs, signed photos & even full spare training
kits to local sides etc. Besides the numerous presentation nights he
did free of charge. I also played a few times for the Junior side
& as busy as he was still made time to come & watch us &
even give a half time team talk. A really inspirational & gentle
giant of a man.
Christian Dixon says: hi, i am Don Revies great nephew. i met him
on quite a few occasions before he died. my father was around more
though at the time when he was playing and managing so has more
memories then me. to this day i am still a die hard leeds fan as are
all of my family. i am glad that there are websites such as this that
remember him as the great player and manager he was, and keep him
alive in the team today. thankyou.
Once a Mancunion says: I saw Manchester City win the F.A.Cup in
1956. Birmingham were heavy favourites but Revies' laid back style cut
their defence apart and had them running in all directions. Playing
with their injured left winger(Johnstone) on the right wing, City were
terrific under Revies cool playing style. Truly one of the best days
in Manchester football and I say that even though I'm a United
supporter.
jake says: The legend will be turning in his grave looking at what
our great club has become and how it is being ran
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