Leeds United embarked on an exciting new chapter on this day in 1998 as David O’Leary was confirmed as the club’s new permanent manager.
After a long and successful spell with Arsenal, David O’Leary moved to Elland Road at the end of his playing career, playing 10 games in the final years of Howard Wilkinson’s time at the club.
Following O’Leary’s retirement, he returned to the club as George Graham’s assistant manager, spending two years in the role until Graham made a dramatic departure to join Tottenham.
O’Leary was made Leeds’ caretaker following Graham’s departure and inherited one of the most exciting young squads in the Premier League, having finished in the competition in Graham’s last full season in charge.
After steering Leeds to a 0-0 draw against Chelsea, O’Leary was handed the job on a permanent basis on this day in 1998, signing a two and a half year deal with the club.
David O’Leary ‘flattered’ by the opportunity to lead Leeds United
Although he was handed the opportunity to take caretaker charge with Leeds, O’Leary was not guaranteed to win the chance to be Leeds’ next permanent manager.
According to a report in the Telegraph and Argus on the 22nd October 1998, O’Leary was on a three-man shortlist which also included former Leeds midfielder Gordon Strachan and Leicester City boss Martin O’Neill.
However, speaking after O’Neill withdrew from the process, former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale hinted that O’Leary was edging closer to the role, stating: “David O’Leary has always been on our list and on the basis that Martin O’Neill is now off it, he has moved further up than he was before”.
Three days later, O’Leary was handed a deal worth a reported £600,000 a year, according to the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the division.
Speaking following his unveiling as Leeds manager, O’Leary admitted that he was flattered by the chance to lead a club as big as Leeds in his first role in management, stating: “This is a great opportunity for me. I know it’s a hard job, but what a job to start your managerial career with.
“I am flattered to get a chance like this. I played all my career at the top with Arsenal, and now I am starting as a manager at the top.”
The appointment of O’Leary was the start of a thrilling ride for Leeds, which included the famous run to the Champions League semi-final. However, it is tinged with sadness in hindsight, given how quickly things fell apart in the end.
Where does David O’Leary rank among Leeds United managers by win percentage?
Although O’Leary’s reign eventually descended into acrimony, as results on the field tailed off amid off-field turmoil, the former Arsenal man still ranks favourably among Leeds’ past managers.
According to LUFCData, O’Leary won 101 of his 203 games in charge at Leeds, or 49.8%, which ranks him fourth overall in the list of Leeds managers ranked by win percentage who have led the team on 10 or more occasions.
Leeds’ top five managers by win percentage:
- Daniel Farke – 56.1%
- Don Revie – 53.3%
- Gary McAllister – 50%
- David O’Leary – 49.8%
- Simon Grayson – 49.7%
Current head coach Daniel Farke currently tops the list, having won 64 of his 114 games in charge, at a success rate of 56.1%.
Legendary former Leeds manager Don Revie is second, having won 395 of his 741 games in charge, with a hit rate of 53.3%. Former Leeds midfielder Gary McAllister is third, having won 25 of his 50 games in charge.
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