2008–09 Leeds United F.C. season
The 2008–09 season was Leeds United F.C.'s second consecutive season in the third tier of English football and for the second year running saw them finish in the play-offs in League One.
| 2008–09 season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Ken Bates | |||
| Manager | Gary McAllister (until 21 December) Simon Grayson (from 23 December) | |||
| Stadium | Elland Road | |||
| League One | 4th (qualified for play-offs) | |||
| Play-offs | Semi-finals | |||
| FA Cup | Second round | |||
| League Cup | Fourth round | |||
| League Trophy | Second round northern | |||
| Top goalscorer | League: Jermaine Beckford (27) All: Jermaine Beckford (34) | |||
| Highest home attendance | 37,036 vs Millwall (14 May 2009, Play-offs) | |||
| Lowest home attendance | 9,531 vs Northampton Town (7 November 2008, FA Cup) | |||
| Average home league attendance | 22,849 | |||
| ||||
The season began with Gary McAllister still managing Leeds, and they appeared to be in automatic promotion contention after a promising start. However, a humiliating FA Cup exit to Football Conference side Histon saw the team's form completely collapse, and with any hope of automatic promotion having all but ended even before Christmas Day, McAllister was sacked. He was replaced by Simon Grayson, and after a nervy first few games, Grayson lifted the side from eighth to fourth, resulting in a place in the play-offs. During this time, the club recorded eleven consecutive home wins. Although to the heartbreak of Leeds fans, the club failed in the play-offs again, being defeated by Millwall in the semi-finals. During the season, Jermaine Beckford scored 34 goals in all competitions – the highest in the country. Once again, the club received the highest attendance outside the Premier League on three occasions; the largest in the play-off semi final, recording a crowd of over 37,000. Off the pitch, the club made a profit for the first time in years.