Leeds mourn death of Revie’s ‘Rolls Royce’ Madeley
Paul Madeley, the versatile lynchpin of Don Revie’s great Leeds United side, died last night at the age of 73 after a long illness, his family have announced.
Known to his team-mates as Ed, the popular Leeds-born footballer was a vital component of the team following their promotion to the First Division in 1964-65 and won the League Cup, FA Cup, two Fairs Cups and two League Championproved ships in 16 years with his boyhood club.
A reserved, thoughtful man, Madeley was so self-effacing that he turned down the England captaincy in 1975.
In the Leeds side his ability to play in every outfield position overshadowed his contribution.
Most people assume that he slotted into the team whenever a firstchoice player was injured or suspended. In fact he rarely missed a game for 10 years.
Revie would always find a place Modest winner: Paul Madeley, who turned down the England captaincy, won two titles for him even if everyone else was available. His modesty hid a surplus of ability – composure, intelligence, fierce in the tackle, strong in the air, a surprising turn of speed, neat passing and box-to-box stamina.
In 1968-69 he was employed most effectively in central midfield, unselfishly giving Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles more licence to attack in the title-winning campaign.
Later he became an accomplished defender in both full-back positions, where he won the majority of his 24 England caps, and was outstanding in the last years of his career as a central defender, memorably sticking to Johan Cruyff throughout the 1975 European Cup semi-final victory against Barcelona.
Madeley retired in 1980 after 711 appearances for the club and took a full-time position with the family DIY business, selling his chain of 13 stores to the Payless group in 1987 for £27 million.
“Paul Madeley passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family in Leeds,” a statement from his family read.
“The late Don Revie christened him his ‘Roll Royce’ and to us he was just that – a class act as a husband and a father who always had time for everyone he met.”