The Whites finished the 1979/80 season in 11th position with 40 points. And the average Elland Road league crowd of 22,788 was a reflection of fans displeasure at the mediocrity of the team and their performances. Indeed the visit of Aston Villa in April 1980 was the club's lowest for over 17 years. The domestic cup competitions brought humilation. They were humbled 4-1 against Nottingham Forest at Elland Road in the third round of the FA Cup and hammered 7-0 against Arsenal at Highbury in the second leg, second round of the League Cup. There was little joy in Europe either. After easing past minnows Valletta of Malta in round one of the UEFA Cup they were beaten home and away by Romanian unknowns Universitatea Craiova. READ MORE: Eddie Gray - 11 memories of a Leeds United icon
1. Leeds United 1979/80 season
Alan Curtis and Brian Flynn share a joke pre-season. Photo: Varley Picture Agency
2. Leeds United 1979/80 season
Leeds United's Peter Hampton tries to tackle Brighton's Peter Ward during the league game at the Goldstone Ground in October 1979. The game finished goalless. Photo: Getty
3. Leeds United 1979/80 season
Match action from Elland Road in November 1979 when Bristol City were the visitors. An Eddie Gray goal was not enough as the Robins won 3-1.
4. Leeds United 1979/80 season
Match action from the UEFA Cup second round, second leg, against Universitatea Craiova at Elland Road in November 1979. The Whites lost 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.
5. Leeds United 1979/80 season
Paul Madeley is powerless to stop Bolton's Neil Whatmore scoring at Elland Road in February 1980.
6. Leeds United 1979/80 season
Kevin Hird fires towards goal during Leeds United clash with Bolton Wanderers at Elland Road in February 1980. He scored from the penalty spot that day. The game finished 2-2.