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The powerhouse that drove Don Revie's team, Bremner was a great
player and an inspirational captain. His Leeds playing career spanned
16 years, from the Division 2 days right through to the European Cup
Final. In that time, he led Leeds to 2 League titles, the League and
FA Cups and 2 victories in the Inter-City Fairs Cup. On a personal
level, he was voted Footballer of the Year in 1970, and won 54 caps
for Scotland.
He was rejected by Arsenal and Chelsea for being "too small": but
his will to win and skill on the ball more than made up for any lack
of stature. Don Revie recognised the value of the youngster, but his
fiery temperament resulted in several brushes with the footballing
authorities and other players. He was famously sent off for fighting
with the saintly Kevin Keegan in the 1974 Charity Shield at
Wembley.
After leaving Leeds, he spent a couple of years at Hull before
moving on to Doncaster, where he took over the reins of management and
got them promoted twice (unfortunately from the same division since he
couldn't keep them up). In October 1985, he was called back to Elland
Road to try to do what Don Revie had done 25 years before. He nearly
made it, but a play-off replay and an FA Cup semi-final were the peaks
of his achievement and he was sacked in September 1988. He died just
before his 55th birthday, and a statue of the great man now stands
outside the ground where he enjoyed so many triumphs.
Buy this
excellent biography of Billy Bremner at Amazon now!
Don Mills says: My memory of Mr Bremner was at the end of a game
against Arsenal in the late 70's. Leeds were unlucky losers that
day. As the teams came off the pitch several handshakes and
conversations were taking place between the players. Billy was having
none of it. He was chest fallen. It appeared to me that the loss hurt
him personally. Perhaps this was one of the reasons he never gave up
on a game. Or was it the bookies???
Marc says: Billy was an excellent talent and will always be a leeds
legend. P.S. your site is excellent.
Daniel Jeffries says: I never saw Billy play live because I wasn't
born but I think that he was one of the most talented players the
world has ever seen.
Chris -F- says: I have never seen Billy in my lifetime because I
was born 16 years ago, though I am just learning about this
unbelievable talent who I respect dearly because of his will to win. I
feel I can relate to him because my attitude too winning is exactly
the same as his, winning is everything.
Jack Broxholme says: Around 1962 Billy opened an account in the
Midland Bank, Halton where I worked to open an account. In those days
you had to give two references or be 'introduced' by an existing
customer. As an avid young LUFC fan it was my pleasure to write on his
specimen signature card, 'introduced by Jack Broxholme'.
Andrew says: Billy Bremner was very considerate to his opponents,
He always put iodine on his studs to avoid infection. During one game
against Man Utd he said to Norman Hunter "You flick him up and I'll
volley him" making sure that Besty overheard. By the way George Best
NEVER had a good game against Leeds.
Warren says: I never got to see Bremner play live but he was an
inspiration to me and my football. 4 was the number I wore from day
one of playing football. If more players today played as he did the
game would be better now and there wouldnt be so many actors on the
pitch.
Maggie Ryan, Orlando, Florida says: I was fortunate to be a
season-ticket holder at Elland Road from 1960 to 1974. I loved to
watch Billy - he put his heart and soul into every game. I worked for
YTV and we formed a ladies soccer team to play a couple of Charity
matches. LUFC lent us the complete strip, Billy and Big Jack handed it
to me. Some people thought I was related to Billy, I have the same
colour hair, same height, and same temper!
Barry Davis says: I saw Billy Bremner play on many occasions in the
60s and 70s. He was, indeed, the most talented player Leeds had and,
with Johnny Giles, made up the best midfield in the country. He had a
knack of always being in the right place at the right time. For
instance, he scored the winning goal in the 1965 FA Cup semi-final
replay against Manchester United and, again, in the 1970 FA Cup second
semi-final replay, also against Manchester United. He could shoot from
great distances and even head well. I was saddened by his untimely
death.
daniel dawson says: biily bremner is a class player
Gerry Brady says: I was a big Billy Bremner and Leeds United fan. I
became a Leeds United because of Billy Bremner. When I heard that he
died so young I was saddened. I would love to have been able to meet
him. I would love to thank him for he great effert he put into
winning.
James Old says: Billy was a very good player.
Dane says: Billy Bremner was the best player to ever pull on a
Leeds shirt
Nivy says: More Leeds players nowaday should play with pride and
passion like Bremner did.
Richard Brown says: I met Billy one evening at a sportmans dinner
in walshaw cricket club near Bury. Towards the end of the evening he
asked for directions to the M62 which so happened to be near my
house. Billy said he would only be too pleased to give me and my two
brothers a lift home. We had a good chat and laugh all the way. The
following year Billy stood up on the stage and said to me and my
brothers that the taxi home was still available. Again we chated and
laughed all the way. What a fantastic person he was. I'm sure he will
be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rick (Man Utd Fan)
Colin Green says: i went to school with Billy Bremner's son what a
guy he was if the current Leeds team played like Billy did we would be
winning the league if somebody cut him in half his inside would read
LUFC he was the greatest Leeds player of all time if we could get 11
Billy Bremners we would be the greatist team on the face of the
earth
May Herrity says: i have been told that Billy's ancesters came from
Ireland does anybody know?
Bill Brennan says: I chose to support Leeds United all because of
Billy Bremner. One reason was because his name is similar to mine( I
was only 5 then) and two because he played for Scotland. I was brought
up in Coventry and was glad to endure watching Coventry City play as
long as I could watch the Leeds talents of those
days. Unforgettable.
Rob Lamb says: Simply when they broke the mould there will never be
another BILLY BREMNER. I watched from day one till the great team
ended their days and I had years of pleasure every season ,game after
game and He gave his all every time,He was and still is LEEDS UNITED.
Jack Bremner says: billy is my uncle
John Philip Bremner says: Although I didn't have the pleasure of
seeing billy play, one of my mates from manchester did. He used to
call me Billy because I'm the only Bremner he'd met in Canada. Soccer
rules in Canada too, thanks to satellite telivision.
Richard O'Hanlon says: I have lived in Ireland for the last twenty
six years but was born in headingley and lived there till i was
seventeen. I saw Billy play more times than i care to remember, but
only met him twice. He was my all time hero, my favourite number is 4
for that reason. I met him the first time when he came to present
trophies at my school, St Michael's College, Leeds. I met him again
about eighteen months before he died. Allan Clarke and himself were
coming out of the West stand at Elland rd and we just happened to bump
into them. Allan i think is shy by nature but he was very friendly,
the wee man was amazing, regaling us with stories of yesteryear. I
haven't been to Elland rd since the statue went up but will be this
season. I am hoping i can buy a minutare of it. A brilliant player and
a really nice guy.
Dimitris says: Billy was my childhood hero,along with Vic
Morrow,when I was living back in Australia.He's the only reason that I
support the club for 32 years now.I just wish that we could find a
player with his quality.
Nick Harvey says: I think it was 1973. Leeds came to Stoke on an
unbeaten run of some 30 odd games. Stoke ran out 3-2 winners in a
thrilling and hard fought game. I remember clearly as the final
whistle blew the referee walking off the field with Billy Bremner
glued to his side arguing and gesticulating. Perhaps he didn't like
some decision but I think he just didn't want the game to end until
Leeds had saved their unbeaten record. It had to end some time but
Billy was having non of it. That was the kind of guy he was. That was
his level of commitment. Opposition fans loved to hate him. but in the
world of football, that can be the ultimate sign of respect.
Andy Conner says: When as a seven year old, asked what I wanted to
be when I grew up, my response was "Billy Bremner". The most
inspirational player I have ever seen.
marc leone says: Does Billy have a son who is an off shore oil man
in Scotland?
Danny Conner says: Jodie Morris has brought shame to our beloved
Billy Bremner's number 4 shirt!!
paddy says: a great player,the best
Tom Ruddy says: When I was a kid I wanted to be Billy Bremner
Fred A says: I saw Billy Bremner play only the once against Man
City in 76 at my first ever live game: my main memory from the match
was that my grandfather had built Leeds up in my mind to such
greatness that I had to turn around in disbelief and ask "Is that a
goal?" when Man City went 1 up inside a couple of minutes: Leeds went
on to win 2-1. However, my strongest my strongest memories of Bremner
were of sitting next to him in the directors' box at Donny Rovers on 2
occasions during his first stint as manager, courtesy of my
grandfather being leader of the local council at the time. He struck
me as being v quiet on both occassions though I guess that's only to
be expected of a focussed manager during the game but guess my fondest
memory was to be in his presence as the Rovers beat Bournemouth to
virtually assure promotion from Div 3 in 1981, his first success of
his managerial career.
daniel bremner says: im his grandson daniel john bremner
Simon Sheppard says: It's quite simple. I've watched football for
37 years now and Billy Bremner was the most complete footballer I have
EVER seen - bar none.
paul waterworth says: I ve only seen king billy on video but can
honestly say he is what football is all about passion heart and
determination long live the king
brian day says: billy was a wonderfull player i liked that man so
much. im a gooner(arsenal) i love bremner and the leeds team of the
70s they were a great side.the best i seen since spurs of 61.i love
billy he was my hero if i had another team to support its leeds.
billy donnelly says: does anyone know billys connection to ireland
? possibly around the belturbet/cavan area
jim rowson says: yes i saw billy play he was the greatest player
ever to wear a leeds shirt.guess he/s turning in his grave right
now. relagted unthinkable if he was here right now r.i.p
billy. forever leeds and bremner fan.
Les Rowley says: I am writing a new book about Billy (official LUFC
book too!) and I was wanting to pick the mind of any readers and
fans. What did people say about Billy? Rod Stewert? Zico? Geroge
Best? Any famous quotes knocking about?
Jimmy McPhail says: I used to live beside him and he used to kick
ball into my garden all the time
Tim Hawkins says: saw billy play .just the best there has been in
his position he was and still is leeds united. as he once said "team
before self everytime"
billy scobbie says: i never seen billy bremner play even though im
related to him hes always drove me on wanting to get better at
football i think he is scotlands greatest ever player.
Javaid Mehar says: This page is full of praise for Billy as a
player and a man and righly so. What would the likes of
Billy,Eddie,Giles,Norman,etc go for nowadays?!! My abiding memory of
Billy after his playing days was when he had been sacked by Leeds, as
he was getting into his car he spoke to the press with so much dignity
and love for the club and without a shadow of bitterness. What a
player and man. RIP Billy. We love you.
Hardeep Bubbra says: I am just 14 and i am still learnin about
billy bremner and my respect for billy bremner is still incresing
every day I learn new things about this considerable talent
Paul Barden says: I was lucky enough to see him play in
Championship winning team of 73-74, the man himself was world
class-THE KING.Videos of the man make my, 10 and 8 year old, boys
appreciate a legend.
rob dowson says: I had the privilege of watching Billy from the
Lowfields Road stand - socks around his ankles he'd cover every blade
of grass, a more committed player you will never see and he loved the
club he always gave 110% A true great!
Todd James says: I never got to see billy play but the videos of
the game i have seen he is an insperation to me and im only at the age
of 14 i wear the number 4 shirt for my local club billy bremner is a
legend
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