Billy Bremner

1942 — 1997

Football Player; Billy Bremner left school in his home town of Stirling to sign for Leeds United in 1959. Small in stature with red hair Bremner had the heart of a lion and was a born winner. He made his first team debut on 20 January 1960 at the age of 17 in a 3-1 win over Chelsea. A fierce competitor Bremner was often at the heart of play in the midfield challenging for control of the ball and driving his team forward. He also had an abundance of skill to match his competitive spirit.

Bremner’s determination and leadership on the field earned him the captaincy of Leeds United and Scotland, and he led his country to the 1974 World Cup finals. During his time at Elland Road Leeds United went from the mediocrity of the Second Division to become one of the top clubs in English football. Bremner won the Second Division in 1964, the First Division in 1969 and 1974, the FA Cup in 1972 and the League Cup in 1968. He also reached the final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup three times winning the trophy in 1968 and 1971 and was a European Cup finalist in 1975. In 1971 Bremner was voted the Football Writers Association Player of the Year. His importance to Leeds United is expressed in the form of a statue which stands outside Elland Road while his importance to Scotland is reflected in his haul of 54 caps.