The history of the West Yorkshire derby between Leeds and Huddersfield

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With the West Yorkshire derby coming up this weekend, it’s time to look back on a long history between Leeds United and Huddersfield Town.

Leeds United are one of the most well-known teams in the history of English football, but in recent times they have become a shadow of the juggernaut they once were.

Everyone knows about their past with the likes of Derby County and Manchester United, but it is their long-standing bitter rivalry with local side Huddersfield Town that has really come to the forefront in the last few years.

Back in the 1920s, Huddersfield became the first side in English football to win three consecutive top flight titles. As well as this they claimed an FA Cup and a Charity Shield, solidifying their place in the history books. However, in the present day they haven’t played in the First Division/Premier League since 1972, whilst their rivals Leeds have thrived.

Under legendary manager Don Revie, the Whites became one of the most feared sides in Europe as they won two league championships, an FA Cup, a League Cup, two European Fairs Cups and the Charity Shield. Huddersfield could merely watch from afar as Leeds continued to excel at the highest level.

It was not until recently when Leeds were relegated to League One that the rivalry really began to ramp up again. It was at this point that the Terriers gained the edge on United, winning three of their six meetings in the third tier. After Leeds’ promotion back into the Championship they didn’t meet again for another few years, but when Huddersfield finally made the step up to join them it was business as usual.

David Wagner’s men have the lead in the overall head-to-head, and they also have the loftiest ambitions this season as they lie top of the table after five games. They have endured so many years of hearing about Leeds’ past triumphs, but now they will be looking to make their own headlines.

Leeds won’t lie down and take defeat easily though, as Garry Monk will know the importance of this fixture and what it means to the fans. When the two meet at Elland Road on Saturday, it is bound to be an explosive encounter.