|
Paul Madeley, or "Mister Versatile" as he was known, managed to
appear in every outfield position in his 17 years at Elland Road.
Madeley's time at Leeds covered the rise and fall of the club from
Division 2 to Champions, League and FA Cup winners and success in
Europe and heading back towards relegation by the time he retired
from the game in 1980. He had a successful testimonial year in
1976-77.
He had great positional awareness, and was by no means a
makeweight when played up front, but it was in defence - most
usually at left back or centre back - that he made the majority of
his appearances. In some quarters, his versatility is seen as a
partial cause of Leeds' downfall: if there was an injured player or
if someone was off form, we could just stick Paul in his place
instead of looking for a more permanent replacement - but the
club's problems in the early 80's were much more deep-seated than
that. He retired in 1980 to open a sports shop and continue his
involvement in the successful chain of home decor stores run by the
family.
Thanks to Keith Rhodes for the second photo up there. He says:
The photo is of (most of) the 1st 15 rugby team at Parkside school
in 60-61. You should be able to spot him, as he hadn't changed much
in appearance as of the late 70's. If you can't, he is 2nd row 2nd
in from the left. I'm in there too, but we will leave that a
secret.
Alan Fisher says: My sister went out with Paul very briefly in
the early 60s. I didn't know anything about it until several years
later when I was watching Match Of The Day and she said "Is that
Paul Madeley? I used to go out with him.". I nearly fainted at the
thought of all the free match day tickets I could have had if she
hadn't been selfish enough to dump him! I was really upset...
Joe Croft says: I'm an old aquaintance of Pauls and used to play
soccer with him at Crossflats Parkside schools. Currently I live in
New Zealand but on a recent trip back I bumped into a couple of old
mutual friends, Alan Milburn and David Kenworthy. We talked about
the old days and about Paul winning the sprints at Parkside Rugby
Ground.
Luke Fieldhouse says: My dad has known Paul since they were
schoolmates and I met him for the first time last year. Very polite
and likeable bloke - and I was somewhat starstruck. My Dad's name
is Derek and I think he may well have partaken in a sprint or two
on Parkside ground. Then went on to captain Farsley Celtic.
Malcolm Hamer says: Why did Paul pull out of the 1970 England
World Cup Squad? Did he give a reason? Domestic problems,
maybe?
Craig Madeley says: We are the Australian Madeley's and are
related to the great man. I have even named my son Paul (aged 8)
who plays left defender for our local side. Great Site....
Mark Madeley says: Paul is my Dads cousin Ken, he is from
Middleton. It's a small small world!
Chris Wright says: late in his career i watched him have to
retake a throw in 4 times to please the refs 'feet on the line'
rule, never seen it since. where is our hero now?
Angela Heron nee Hargreaves says: I was a Cub Scout Leader with
the 16th S. W. Leeds (St Mary's) Group in the late 40's early 50's
Michael, John and Paul were all cubs. My parents also had a
newsagents business in Cross Flatts Grove and one of my memories is
of Saturday evenings when the Leeds supporters would all replay the
match whilst waitng for the sports post. I still follow Leeds and
wish them all the best although I now live in the south of
England.
Peter Tennant says: Hello, It's some information about Paul
Madeley that I am after, I have a question. In the league cup
semi-final against Derby in 1968, Paul lost "what" in the
mud.Please if you can help, please respond. Many thanks Peter
Adam Madeley says: I know Paul Madeley he's my half-cousin and
he's got a beautiful Merc
Andy Bell says: Any deatils of Paul's England record. When did
he debut in particular. Jabba says - look at any Rothmans! However,
just for you he made his debut in 1971 against Northern Ireland and
his last game was against Holland in 1977.
Dave Pedder says: I live on the site of Paul Madeley's open air
swimming pool. He lived in the house next door, but sold it to his
brother John, who built the house i live in today. We received some
old papers regarding the house from the solicitors the other day
and they turned out to be signed by Paul!
Chris Madeley says: paul madeley mighit be my dads brothers son
whats his farthers and mothers first names? please dad would like
to know.!! ps my farthers name is ernist(ernie for
short)madeley.
Javaid Mehar says: I used to go to school with Paul's son
Jason(did he have a funny running acion!). I can't remember if Paul
had another son at Fulneck at the same time. and Norman Hunter's
son Michael. I saw Paul and Norman at school quite a few times
dropping off their lads/sports days,etc.
Bunminho says: In answer to the question of why Paul Madeley
didn't go to the 1970 World Cup, Leeds had just come off a long,
hard season, with about 60 games played in all (42 league games,
European Cup semi finals, FA Cup final, plus replay) and Paul was
exhausted. He needed a break.
Rory Madden says: Paul Madeley was a most under-rated player of
real quality.He never let the side down.He never questioned where
he was asked to play-unlike today's pampered so-called
superstars.He is one of my favourite Leeds United players.What
would he be worth today?
|
