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The Importance of Billy Bremner
Billy Bremner did not simply captain one of the greatest Leeds United teams. He became the symbol of it.
Overview
Billy Bremner did not simply captain one of the greatest Leeds United teams.
He became the symbol of it.
From Dunfermline to Elland Road
Bremner joined Leeds as a teenager and eventually became the inspirational captain of Don Revie's great side.
Over a 17-year playing career he made 773 appearances for the club — one of the greatest appearance totals in Leeds history.
The captain
Bremner's leadership was not based on being the biggest player on the pitch.
He was five foot five and played with a determination that frequently made him seem twice that size.
His role was to compete, organise and drive the team forward.
When Leeds needed someone to take responsibility, Bremner tended to be there.
The trophies
As captain he led Leeds to two First Division titles, the League Cup, FA Cup and Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
He also captained Leeds in the 1975 European Cup final.
That combination of longevity, success and leadership makes his place in Leeds history almost impossible to challenge.
Bremner the footballer
It is easy to reduce Bremner to tackles and competitiveness.
That misses a lot.
He was an outstanding midfielder who could pass, score and arrive in important areas.
He understood how the game needed to be controlled.
And in a side containing the likes of Giles, Gray, Lorimer, Hunter and Charlton, he was still the player everybody looked towards.
Bremner the symbol
When Leeds built the statue outside Elland Road, it wasn't simply because he had played more than 700 times.
It was because supporters associated him with what the club represented.
Eddie Gray once described Bremner as everything Leeds United was about.
That might be the most important description of all.
Why Billy Bremner matters
There are club legends.
There are club captains.
And then there are players who become part of the club's identity.
Billy Bremner belongs in the third category.
His medals matter.
His appearances matter.
His goals matter.
But the reason he remains Billy Bremner is much simpler.
He looked like Leeds United felt.