There are certain players in football who might not be the most talented, and yet they'll be a dream player that any footballing side would love to have. Such footballers are known as Utility players, who possess immense versatility that allows them to operate efficiently at various positions on the field.
Paul Madeley was one such player, whose ability to play in multiple positions saw him develop into a Leeds United legend that became their saviour in several moments of crisis. Let us now rewind his memorable years at the club.
The birth of Eleven Pauls
Born in Beeston, Leeds, Madeley began his chapter in football with Non-league Farsley Celtic. It was in May 1962 that Leeds United snatched the player from Celtic, who spent a year in their youth academy.
Injuries to first-team players Freddie Goodwin and Jack Charlton saw Madeley eventually establish himself as senior side regular from 1966. What made him invaluable was his immense versatility, which saw the Englishman play in every position on the pitch except goalkeeper and wore every shirt from No. 2 to No. 11 (and occasionally No. 12) as a result. It was this special ability of the player that made then Leeds manager Don Revie choose him over specialist player's in certain positions. Leeds United always had a key player getting either injured or suspended, and it was Madeley that always stepped up to be their hero in need.
Although Madeley usually filled defensive positions when he was needed, the Englishman was utilised in attacking positions when Leeds won their first major honours under Don Revie. This feat was achieved in the 1968 Football League Cup Final, which saw Madeley play as a striker (wearing the No. 9 jersey) in their 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
Silverware success followed yet again 3 years later, as Leeds won the 1971 Fairs Cup. Madeley scored the crucial away goal against Juventus which helped Leeds emerge victorious in the two-legged tie. He operated as a midfielder/left winger in this tie, wearing the 11 jersey. It was this brilliant versatility that saw him earn the nickname "The Eleven Pauls", which was used in the 1972 FA Cup Final song Leeds United.
English call-up rejection, Heartbreak in Europe and League triumph
Madeley played a brilliant role when it came to replacing teammate Paul Reaney during his injury absence, and his performance was noticed by then England manager Alf Ramsey. This led to Madeley being called up to the England squad for the next World Cup, but he surprisingly rejected the opportunity. The need for rest and his role as a bench warmer were the primary reasons for the decision.
Leeds United were plagued by injuries during the 1971–72 season, which led to Madeley yet again rising up to the occasion and being their savior. He didn't miss a single league match that campaign, thus being a vital part of their side. However, Leeds went on to suffer yet another league heartbreak, as they failed to clinch the title on the last day of the season for the third straight year.
Despite the bitter league finish, Leeds managed to reach yet another FA cup final. A serious injury to left-back Terry Cooper meant that Madeley was yet again needed when it mattered the most, thus he switched to the No. 3 shirt for the season's end and played in the final that saw Leeds overcome Arsenal 1-0.
Trevor Cherry was signed as a replacement for the injured cooper in 1972, and Madeley moved across to the centre of defence for much of the next season. This tactical decision was also made since fellow Leeds teammate Jack Charlton's majestic Leeds career was nearing its end. It was a bittersweet season for Leeds, one which saw them almost achieve eternal status. However, the campaign ended on a heartbreaking note for Madeley and his teammates. They lost the FA Cup to Sunderland, and eventually the European Cup Winners Cup final against Milan, in what was a controversial match.
Despite those gut wrenching moments, Madeley and his teammates finally won the League title in 1974 under Revie . A year later, they reached their first and only European Cup final, which ended in a 2-0 loss against Bayern Munich.
Madeley was granted a testimonial season in 1977, and eventually retired from playing in 1980 with 724 appearances in all competitions to his name. The beautiful game bid farewell to one of the most versatile players it ever produced.
