The man who built English Soccer
Archibald Leitch's rise from disaster
Over time, sporting venues can become hallowed grounds. Madison Square Garden. Yankee Stadium. Camp Nou. Lambeau Field. With each legendary performance, the roar of the crowd, and unforgettable moments, these grounds become part of sporting lore and symbols for how we remember legendary events.
English soccer has its hallowed grounds with the fingerprints of one man all over it. Known as the Godfather of stadium architecture, Archibald Leitch has been involved in building no fewer than 48 stadiums throughout the UK.
Between 1899 and his death in 1939, Leitch architected some of the most prestigious soccer stadiums in the UK–from Anfield and Old Trafford to Stamford Bridge and White Hart Lane.
He was involved in building the following stadiums among others:
However, Leitch’s journey into stadium design didn’t begin with grandstands and roaring crowds. He started his architecture firm in 1896 and originally was focused on the functional design of factories. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment when his firm secured a commission to craft a stadium for Kilmarnock FC in Scotland that his trajectory shifted dramatically.
Yet, it was the allure of constructing a monumental arena for his beloved Rangers FC that truly ignited his passion. Ibrox Park in Glasgow was Leitch’s breakthrough opportunity—a stadium designed to accommodate 80,000 fervent fans. The completion of the project was meant to mark a triumphant moment. However, as the inaugural game unfolded before a capacity crowd in April 1902, the anticipated celebration spiraled into a horrifying nightmare. A section of timber terracing, meant to support the enthusiastic spectators, suddenly gave way. In a heart-wrenching instant, 25 souls plummeted to their tragic death.
The aftermath of the devastating incident prompted a thorough investigation into the structural design of the stadium. The seats, wooden flooring on top of an iron frame similar to how bleachers are built, was common at the time. However, the investigation pinpointed a flaw in the very essence of the structure: the choice of material. The failed seats were attributed to the use of the inferior yellow pine instead of the stronger red pine.
There was evidence that Leitch approved the use of yellow pine. However, the timber merchant, Alexander MacDougall, was also to blame because he reportedly billed Rangers for the higher quality material.
Leitch escaped criminal prosecution, but his career as an architect was in jeopardy. He begged Rangers to hire him back to repair the stands and after some convincing they agreed.
The incident led Leitch to tirelessly work on new ways to improve the architecture of stadium stands and to focus on safety. His work resulted in a patented form of terracing to make them stronger with a criss-cross pattern. Many of his designs influence modern-day stadiums today.
When Leitch was building stadiums in the early 1900s, there were often standing-room areas. He patented a design that was used as a crush barrier, which was a way to prevent fans from trampling others.
Today, crush barriers aren’t used in the UK due to the Hillsborough Stadium disaster in 1989. In the tragic event, 97 Liverpool fans were killed and 766 were injured in a human crush. The government decided to remove standing-room areas in stadiums and mandated all stadium attendees be issued a seat.
As Leitch’s innovations grew, his work began to become more in demand, especially as he became the go-to expert for double-decker stands. By the time the late 1920s rolled around, his portfolio grew exponentially with an astonishing feat: he had designed 16 of the 22 teams’ stadiums that were playing in the top flight of English soccer. He went from a near career-ending disaster to being at the top of his field due to his revolutionary designs.
When Leitch passed away in 1939, his departure went unnoticed by the wider public. Not a single newspaper carried an obituary to honor his life's work. The sole tribute to his memory emerged in the Journal of Mechanical Engineers, a mere two-line acknowledgment of the life he lived. He passed as a relatively unknown figure even though he had a huge imprint on the lives of fans in the UK.
Much of his original work has since been demolished for redevelopment, especially since clubs have moved to seated stadiums only. However, at a few stadiums including Fulham’s Craven Cottage and Rangers’ Ibrox, a small number of Leitch’s original work still stands. Some of his work is considered a listed building (special protection to not be destroyed) by the government, ensuring his memory will continue to live for years to come.
The main stand at Craven Cottage, known today as the Johnny Haynes Stand, was designed by Leitch in 1905 and is the most iconic part of the grounds. Its facade is built in Leitch’s red brick style and it is now the oldest stand in all the English leagues.
Though much of his work has been demolished, clubs still ensure his impact on the sport lives on. Everton has honored his work by including his trademark criss-cross architecture on the collar and sleeves of their jersey.
As we respect the stadiums Leitch built, we can ponder on the architects of our own sporting sanctuaries. Who is the symbol of your own favorite hallowed ground? Whose legacy helped etch your favorite sporting memories?