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Dick Ray holds a unique place in Leeds United history: he was the club’s first manager when it was formed in October 1919, following the expulsion of Leeds City from the Football League. A former professional footballer who had captained Leeds City, Ray helped the newly established club through its earliest months.
His first spell in charge ran from October 1919 to February 1920, while Leeds played in the Midland League. Arthur Fairclough then took over and led United into the Football League. Ray remained involved as Fairclough’s assistant before leaving in 1923 to manage Doncaster Rovers.
A second spell and two promotions
Ray returned to Elland Road in July 1927 after Leeds had been relegated from the First Division. He immediately guided United back to the top flight, finishing runners-up in the Second Division in 1927–28. Leeds then achieved a fifth-place First Division finish in 1929–30, an impressive result for a club still in its early years.
Relegation followed in 1930–31, but Ray again secured promotion at the first attempt: Leeds finished Second Division runners-up in 1931–32. His second managerial spell ended in March 1935.
Legacy
Although Arthur Fairclough oversaw Leeds United’s first Second Division championship in 1923–24, Ray was responsible for the club’s promotions in 1928 and 1932. His two separate spells, spanning the club’s founding and its early years in the Football League, make him an important figure in the history of Elland Road.