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2004–05 Leeds United A.F.C. season

Leeds United
2004-05 season
Chairman Gerald Krasner
(until 21 January)
Ken Bates
Manager Eddie Gray
(until 10 May)
Kevin Blackwell
Stadium Elland Road
Championship 14th
FA Cup Third round
League Cup Third round
Top goalscorer League:
David Healy (7)

All:
Brian Deane (7)
David Healy (7)
Highest home attendance 34,496 vs Plymouth Argyle
(28 Dec 2004, The Championship)
Lowest home attendance 18,476 vs Swindon Town
(21 Sep 2004, League Cup)
Average home league attendance 28,814

During the 2004–05 English football season, Leeds United competed in the Football League Championship, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the previous season after 14 years in the top flight. With debts of over £100 million, Leeds were not expected to make a push for an automatic return to the Premiership, with preventing a second successive relegation the priority.

In 2004–05 season, Leeds began signing players prepared to accept lower wages. The club were eventually forced to sell both their training ground, for £4.2m, and their Elland Road stadium in the autumn of 2004.

On 21 January 2005, Krasner announced the sale of a 50% stake to Ken Bates for £10m and Bates became the club's new chairman, replacing Krasner. This investment effectively saved Leeds United from going into administration. Bates had previously headed three other league football clubs, most famously Chelsea.

Blackwell was forced to sell most of the remaining players, including Aaron Lennon; somehow he managed to build a team using loan players and experienced professionals nearing the end of their careers. Despite a promising opening day win against Derby County, Leeds's form at the start of the 2004-05 Coca-Cola Championship was little better than in the previous season, and they spent the first half of the campaign looking in serious danger of a second successive relegation. Their form gradually picked up after the club was taken over by Bates and Leeds finished in a relatively safe 14th place.

Leeds United's home kit was manufactured by Diadora.

Leeds United's score comes first

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


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