Leeds United manager Don Revie nearly took Sunderland post in 1964, claims podcast
A recent discussion by the Roker Report fan publication reveals how close Revie came to accepting the Sunderland role during the summer and autumn of 1964
A new podcast episode from the Roker Report fan publication suggests that Leeds United manager Don Revie was reportedly on the verge of leaving his post to become Sunderland's boss in the summer and autumn of 1964. The episode, titled Roker Rewind and produced as part of the Haway The Podcast series, forms the second and final instalment of a deep dive into Revie's relationship with the club.
The discussion, hosted by Martin, Kelvin and Chris, examines the turbulent period surrounding the potential appointment. It highlights the controversial departure of Alan Brown from the club as a key contextual factor during this window. The hosts also analyse Leeds United's performance upon their return to the top flight, noting how the team's standing may have influenced the negotiations.
Central to the narrative is the speculation regarding the candidates linked to the Sunderland manager role at the time. While Revie is identified as the primary figure considered for the position, the podcast explores the ambiguity of the situation. The hosts question whether the reported interest was a genuine move or an elaborate negotiation tactic designed to secure a better deal at Leeds United.
This theory, described as a game of 3D chess, remains a point of analysis rather than confirmed fact within the source material. The podcast posits that the proximity of the appointment may have been a strategic maneuver to leverage Revie's value, rather than an immediate resignation. However, the specific details of these negotiations are derived from the hosts' recollection and analysis rather than contemporary newspaper records.
The Roker Report frames this audio content as a retrospective look at a significant moment in the club's history, distinct from formal historical archives. By focusing on the summer and autumn of 1964, the episode provides a narrative layer to the known timeline of Revie's tenure, suggesting a period of intense uncertainty for the club's future leadership.
Ultimately, the podcast concludes that while Revie was very close to accepting the Sunderland offer, he did not take the job. The discussion serves to illustrate the complex interplay between club performance, managerial ambition, and the strategic decisions that defined the era for both Leeds United and Sunderland.
