http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/Eddie-Gray-quits-Leeds-United.34 07476.jp
By Phil Hay Eddie Gray has stepped down as president of the Leeds United Supporters Club amid rising tension between the organisation and Leeds United. The former Elland Road player and manager resigned from his position after growing tired of the long-running battle between the Supporters Club and United chairman Ken Bates. Bates has been at odds with the Supporters Club for most of his two-and-a-half year reign at Elland Road, and the continuing failure to resolve their differences has forced Gray to leave the role he took on in 2005. The 59-year-old was named as president by the Supporters Club following the death of his predecessor Elsie Revie, the wife of legendary United boss Don. But Gray today told the YEP: "I've stepped down because I don't like the in-fighting that's going on between the Supporters Club and the club itself." An uneasy relationship has existed between Bates and the Supporters Club ever since United's chairman launched the Leeds United Members Club towards the end of the 2004-05 Championship season. The two organisations were originally intended to work side-by-side, but a series of contentious issues has led to open conflict and repeated criticism of LUSC by Bates in his match-day programme notes. Responsibility for distributing away tickets to fans was passed by Bates from the Supporters Club to the Members Club, and the Supporters Club committee claimed United were preventing them from using their regular meeting point before games at Elland Road. LUSC recently acquired new headquarters by purchasing the Old Peacock pub behind the stadium's south stand. Fans who buy season tickets for Elland Road are automatically enrolled into the Members Club and supporters are required to be affiliated to the organisation in order to purchase away tickets. The club is thought to have a membership of more than 23,000. United are believed to be keen to involve Gray with the Members Club, but he is understood to have turned down an offer to link up with the group. The Supporters Club, meanwhile, expected to confirm a replacement for Gray early next month, but a spokesman admitted the group were "disappointed" by his decision to stand down as president. "Eddie's been a big favourite at Leeds United over the years," said the spokesman. "We thank him for being president and we hope to see him at some of our events in the future." Meanwhile, Leeds United assistant manager Gustavo Poyet has been fined £1,500 and warned over his future conduct by the Football Association. Poyet was punished for comments about Essex referee Andy D'Urso after United's 3-0 defeat to Portsmouth in the second round of the Carling Cup on August 28. Poyet had denied the charge of improper conduct, but was found guilty at a disciplinary hearing last week. _______________________________________________ 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 6 in a bloody row!
