10 Greatest Leeds United Defenders Ever
3. Paul Reaney
Reaney was one of the first fullbacks to use an “overlapping wing technique”. His pinpoint crossing to the Leeds attack one minute was matched by his ability to pop up and clear off the Leeds goal line the next. He quickly built his reputation as a fiercely competitive, disciplined defender, capable of closing out the most talented of attackers.
Reaney made nearly 750 appearances during a spell at Elland Road that lasted around 17 years. In that time he would help United win the league title and Fairs Cup twice each, the FA Cup and League Cup on one occasion and help the Whites reach a European Cup final.
2. Norman Hunter
Norman Hunter was a hard and skilful defender. He was revered across Europe for his bone-crunching tackling, something that daunted opposition players. He was admired by the Leeds United fans and other players for his playing skills as well as his impressive defensive awareness and abilities.
Hunter had great technique and could build possession well from the back with his left foot, was fast and had a good understanding of the game, something which – when coupled with his firm approach to stopping opponents – made him a complete defender.
In his 15 years at Leeds, he made 724 appearances, scoring 21 goals before moving on to Bristol City in 1976. He helped United win the league title, League Cup, FA Cup and Fairs Cup twice during his first decade with the club.
1. Jack Charlton
Jack Charlton was a real one-club man. He played for Leeds United throughout his career and he made over 750 appearances for the Whites. Jack was certainly one of the best defenders of his generation. Because of his height, he was a threat at set-pieces.
He was an integral part of the Leeds team that climbed the mountain from the Second Division and remained at the summit for several years. With Leeds, he won the First and Second Division League titles, the FA Cup and a League Cup. He was an integral part of the English team that won the 1966 World Cup.
His 629 league and 762 total competitive appearances are club records. He was voted FWA footballer of the Year in 1967. In 2006, Leeds United supporters voted Charlton into the greatest Leeds United XI of all time.
Honourable mentions – Ernie Hart, Gordon McQueen, Chris Fairclough, Grenville Hair, Jimmy Dunn and Jonathan Woodgate.