In a message dated 7/22/2007 12:00:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I don't think this is meant to be an Anti Bates protest. Bates has not been proven to have broken any law. What he has done regarding putting the club into administration and buying it back out again goes on every day of the week in business. The one difference here is the Football Leagues intransigence over the 'Golden Share'. The Football League can hand over the golden share any time they like - why else would they have an 'exceptional circumstances' clause? Only the simmering row between the league and HMRC prevents them (and to a lesser extent the shit stirring from the media and a few publicity hungry MP's). The club we all have in common is therefore stuck between a rock and a hard place. The only worthwhile action in my opinion would be any action that shows unity in the face of the forces trying to pull us asunder. In a crisis there are those that fight their corner and those that run around blaming everyone else - I know which I'd rather have in my corner. The positions can be summarised roughly as the League saying : 'We will wreck your pre-season, prevent you from buying players - see how you like that' against Bates saying ' Since you have decided that my players are still employed by the old company - why should my new company pay them? See how you like that!' - it's a game of poker - and the players and the fans are the losers. Protests against Bates will simply encourage the league to continue playing hardball as will the formation of alternative AFC's. The only message worth sending is 'we are Leeds, we will be around for longer than Ken Bates, we are not going anywhere - give the new company the golden share'. Interesting that the message from the management & players in Germany appears to be precisely that. My guess is Bates will sell up only when he can make a profit - and all he is doing here is fighting tooth and nail to protect his ability to do so. I don't want to bear witness to the end of a magnificent football club - but I don't believe forming alternative clubs or protesting against Ken Bates is going to help. Chris Wright This is the smartest thing that's been posted to the list in a long time. Cheers! Sean ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour _______________________________________________ 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
