Sean So, you think the best plan for Leeds United is: Getting us relegated to the third division (for the first time in our history) despite season ticket prices being among some of the most expensive in the country? Putting us into receivership despite telling us 3 months ago that we'd be free of external debt in June (was that only because he knew we'd be in receivership or because the debt owed to Astor Holdings isn't external even though Bates and LUFC have no connection to them?) Astor Holdings backing Bates' deal and threatening to put us into liquidation if Bates' deal doesn't go ahead, even though they'd get up to 16 times as much money back from some of the other deals on the table? Banning the YEP from ER? Using LUFC as a platform for petty vendettas against any individual that dissents from the gospel according to Ken? Sacking a manager less than 6 months into a new 3 year contract despite having no idea who was going to replace him? A chairman who is the "UK representative" for an overseas trust (Forward Sports Fund) even though he claims not to know who are the owners of FSF? Scewing numerous local businesses for 99% of the money they are owed? (oh yes, very canny, but will that encourage other firms to extend credit to, or even trade with, LUFC in the future?) Yorkshire Radio?<<
None of these events have anything to do with the future of Leeds United. They are all to do with the recent past of Leeds United. And that's gone. I said in my original post that I don't believe that anybody on this list actually likes Ken Bates. I certainly don't. But in the circumstances, weighed against the other options on the table (Morris, Revie, the mysterious plans of LUST), Bates represents a feasible way out of the abysmal mess we're in, caused by the mismanagement of previous management regimes. He has a track record which, though flawed, ultimately resulted in a secure future for Chelsea. You can argue that Chelsea nearly went bust - but they didn't. What's Morris's track record? Revie's? LUST's? Like I said, the biggest objections seem to centre around small local businesses losing 99% of what they're owed. Sad though that might be, I couldn't care less. All I want is for my football club to be returned to its rightful place. And if that happens, I'm sure there will be plenty of business for local companies, just as I'm sure there was before. >>Mark, I have a lot of time for the opinions you express on this list, but we obviously have a very different idea about what is best for LUFC.<< Arguing over small creditors and the poor old tax man isn't best for LUFC is it? Nor is not being allowed to plan for next season because of legal wrangling. Finally being rid of Ridsdale's legacy is surely the first step toward recovery? Even if it does mean we don't like the chairman. Show me a better option to what Bates is proposing? All you've done is highlight his flaws. Fair enough, but I'd rather have that than a teenage property tycoon or a bloke that runs a conference company. >>Do you thiink that investment in LUFC has not been forthcoming from the extensive and wealthy business community in Leeds because there's no feeling for the club or because they also dislike Bates and suspect they'll be expected to plough money into the club without having any influence over its management?<< Where was the investment under the Prof? Or under the Kransortium? All we have is the mythical Norman Stubbs sitting in the car park with his mythical cheque book. As an aside, don't start me off on the short-sightedness of Leeds council and the local business community. They can't even see the vast benefits that a successful football clunb can bring to a city - it pains me to say it, but just look at the number of opportunities Manchester has had to put itself in front of international audiences through the success of its wretched team over the past decade and a half. Heck, the "Leeds business community" even had a taste of it for a couple of years. And yet they still can't see the benefits it brings. You can't blame Bates for that. Sure, perhaps he's a disincentive to investment for some potential backers - but the biggest reason not to get involved is the state of the finances. Once the balance sheet is clean, then I'd expect the serious offers to come forward. And you might not like the way he's doing it, but Bates is cleaning up the finances. >>I don't have anything to add, so you can have the last word. :-)<< Sean, I just want a resolution for the club. Do I want Ken Bates at the helm in the long-term? No. But right now he's the best option of those presented. Unless you know otherwise.... Mark _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist Join The Leeds United Supporters Trust at www.lufctrust.org
