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LufcTalk Hall of Fame Inductee - Paul Madeley

Posted: 03 May 2021, 14:26
by Selby White
Paul Madeley becomes our 8th member of the "Hall of Fame" and our first Leeds born man to join the elite.

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What a player he was often described as a Rolls Royce of a footballer must have been delight to manage him.
Its well documented he played every position but in goal, the original Mr Versatile.

Leeds legend with out doubt as he played his entire career here with over 700 appearances.

Here is a short tribute -


My fav Paul Maddeley story was from Jimmy Armfields autobiography -
"He once actually signed a new contract on what was virtually a blank piece of paper. I called him in to discuss terms and opened discussions by saying, 'OK, Paul, we'll give you so much'. He replied that he had no intention of leaving Leeds so he might as well sign the contract and let me fill in the details. I said, 'What do you want, then, two years or three years?' He answered, 'Either way, I'll leave it to you. I just want to play for Leeds,' and that was that."

Without having a regular position Paul also achieved 24 England Caps and actually partnered Bobby Moore at centre Back when the World Cup winning captain made his 100th appearance.

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So I'll finish with a question for those that were lucky enough to see Paul play -
What do you think was his best position ?

Re: LufcTalk Hall of Fame Inductee - Paul Madeley

Posted: 03 May 2021, 21:28
by Saxon
I think his best position was the one he came into the team as, centre back.It's a close call though, sometimes when Gray was injured or Revie wanted a bit more defence on the road, he would play Madeley in the middle with Bremner and Giles, then the other team would barely get a kick. Making a selection even more difficult was the fact that at one period he was getting picked for England at right back, ahead of our own Paul Reaney.
But I have to say Centre half, unflappable, great positional strength, reads the game, good in air, good on ground, and very constructive when in possession of ball. In those days most centre backs were rather limited in brain power and would be happy booting the ball on the roof of the stand.

Re: LufcTalk Hall of Fame Inductee - Paul Madeley

Posted: 05 May 2021, 10:21
by Westminster
Obviously a Leeds legend, Paul Madeley, and his versatility is renowned. For me though, his best role was probably midfield. Madeley was brilliant apparently when we won our first title in 68-69 playing as a midfielder, freeing Bremner and Giles up from defensive duties.

I know Madeley eventually settled down as a centre-back in the latter part of his career but personally I never thought he was nasty enough for the role, or strong enough in the air. Yes, Madeley was good in the air but never really dominant like Charlton or McQueen.

I think back to Sunderland's goal in the '73 final and that ball wouldn't have fallen to Porterfield had it been dealt with in the air beforehand. Somebody like Gordon McQueen would've done that.

I also think we'd have won the European Cup if McQueen had played against Bayern. Personally, I thought Madeley was partly at fault for both their goals. I know it's sacrilege to say it, but I think it's true.

Either way, reflecting back, perhaps Paul Madeley's versatility played against him. Imagine if he'd have been developed as a specialist sweeper. He'd have been England's answer to Beckenbauer.

Re: LufcTalk Hall of Fame Inductee - Paul Madeley

Posted: 05 May 2021, 11:41
by Selby White
Westminster wrote: Either way, reflecting back, perhaps Paul Madeley's versatility played against him. Imagine if he'd have been developed as a specialist sweeper. He'd have been England's answer to Beckenbauer.
Have often thought the same, all the attributes for the role :thumbup: