How Daniel Farke can finally end 39-year Leeds United record set by Billy Bremner

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Daniel Farke now has the chance to end one of Leeds United’s longest-standing records. If Leeds defeat West Ham in the quarter-finals, they will reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1987.

Leeds United are one win away from ending a record that has lasted nearly four decades. Earlier this week, Leeds were drawn against West Ham in the quarter-finals, having beaten Norwich on Sunday.

Daniel Farke can break Billy Bremner’s 39-year FA Cup record

A quarter-final victory over West Ham would send Daniel Farke’s side to Wembley and secure the club’s first FA Cup semi-final appearance since the 1986-87 season.

The last Leeds side to reach the final four were managed by Billy Bremner. Bremner guided Leeds through a memorable FA Cup run during a difficult period for the club.

That journey ended in the 1987 FA Cup semi-final when Leeds were beaten 3-2 by Coventry City. The match remains the club’s most recent appearance in the competition’s semi-final stage.

Since that defeat, Leeds have waited 39 years to return to the FA Cup’s final four. Farke now has the opportunity to end that drought if his side can overcome West Ham in the quarter-final.

Leeds’ FA Cup history explains the scale of the opportunity

Leeds United’s FA Cup history includes major success despite the current drought. The club won the FA Cup in 1972 during Don Revie’s era.

That triumph remains the club’s only FA Cup victory. It sits alongside several runner-up finishes that underline Leeds’ historical presence in the competition.

The decades following the Bremner era have produced few deep runs in the tournament. Leeds have frequently exited the FA Cup in the early rounds, both in and out of the Premier League.

This long line of early eliminations explains why the current quarter-final represents a major opportunity. A semi-final would see Farke reach a milestone that has not been matched since Bremner’s time.

Leeds United vs West Ham head-to-head record

Standing between Leeds and that milestone are West Ham United. The Hammers booked their place alongside Leeds thanks to a penalty-shootout win over Brentford on Monday night.

The clubs have faced each other regularly across league and cup competitions over several decades. The overall Leeds United vs West Ham record shows a long-running rivalry with results spread between both.

Meetings between the teams have taken place in the top flight, domestic cups and lower divisions. The fixture has produced narrow scorelines and physical encounters across different eras.

The upcoming FA Cup quarter-final now adds another chapter to that history. A Leeds victory would send Farke’s side to Wembley, the second time Leeds have gone to Wembley since Farke became manager.

Billy Bremner has a statue outside Elland Road. But if Farke can do the unthinkable and take Leeds to FA Cup glory, then surely the German deserves one too, amid the current Elland Road redevelopment.