Leeds United were never managed by Harry Redknapp but the 78-year-old watched various different famous Leeds teams over the years.
It’s fair to say Leeds United had their most successful period under the management of Don Revie in the 1960s and 70s, but the Whites have had numerous impressive sides.
The Howard Wilkinson era saw them lift the final First Division title ever, ahead of the Premiership and Premier League rebranding we are more accustomed to today.
The late 90s and early 2000s also saw some success in Europe, with a UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2001. However, they actually reached the European Cup final against Bayern Munich in 1975 under Revie.
Harry Redknapp loves Leeds duo Johnny Giles and Billy Bremner
Harry Redknapp spoke via OTB Football on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that he played against the peak Revie-era team, and he named the midfield duo as the best he’s ever seen.
He said: “What a player. What a player Johnny Giles was. What a footballer.
“I played against John. Yeah. Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles would have been one of the greatest midfield duos of all-time; they were fantastic.
“Johnny Giles was an absolutely top, top drawer footballer. Man United, then on to Leeds.
“And that Leeds team, you know, amazing. [Paul] Reaney, [Norman] Hunter, [Jack] Charlton, [Terry] Cooper.
“You know, Johnny Giles, Billy Bremner, Eddie Gray, Peter Lorimer, [Mick] Jones and [Allan] Clarke up-front.
“Joe Jordan was in and around that team. Gary Sprake in goal. Amazing team.
“But, no, Johnny Giles was a great football man as well; great football brain.”
Johnny Giles’ best Leeds XI of all-time
Leeds fans tried to guess the ‘special announcement’ recently against Bournemouth, where it turned out Giles and Lucas Radebe were honoured by the club for their legendary achievements at Leeds.
In an interview with Off The Ball back in February, Giles revealed his best Leeds XI of all-time. The list is as follows:
- Nigel Martyn
- Paul Reaney
- Jack Charlton
- Norman Hunter
- Paul Madeley
- Peter Lorimer
- Billy Bremner
- Bobby Collins
- Allan Clarke
- Mick Jones
- Eddie Gray
The XI largely consists of legends of the Revie and Giles era of the club, with more of the above needing to be honoured in the coming seasons.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
