Ken Bates Warns Against Spending Money

The Scratching Shed 4/9/12
“Perhaps money and big squads are not the answer” is a typically Bates-like response to fans concerns that the current squad does not have the depth to sustain a promotion charge this season, and that Neil Warnock – like Simon Grayson before him – has been massively underfunded.
His observation comes after “reviewing” the League Cup results, where he spotted no less than eight teams with “reportedly ‘rich’ owners” knocked out in the first round. This, apparently, is justification for a small, low-budget squad.
As Leeds United supporters grow increasingly restless and talk of dissent once again looms over Elland Road, at 80 years old, Ken Bates still isn’t shying away from a fight.
The Leeds United chairman moves seamlessly from justifying a lack of spending to a not-so-subtle attack on the Leeds United Supporters Trust.
It has been a difficult summer for the club communication-wise. We signed a confidentiality agreement with the potential investors which means that we have said very little.
Because of this. rumours are rife. speculation about this has given licence to small groups of so-called fans with a hidden agenda to make wild unsubstantiated statements about the future of the club. What I will suggest is that when you read a so-called press release or statement on the web, don’t take it at face value. Ask yourself is there any evidence to support what is written? Is it just speculation, gossip? Or is there some other motive?
“So-called fans” are commonly featured in Ken Bates’ programme notes, it’s a staple part of the divide and conquer tactics he’s employed so masterfully to quash any efforts to undermine his Chairmanship throughout his seven and a half years at Elland Road.
Those opposed to Ken Bates will find his words rather ironic. Considering ulterior motives and giving a reasonable amount of scrutiny to the “facts” and claims of Ken Bates’ regime is precisely what most of the Chairman’s detractors would implore the rest of our fanbase to do.
But Ken Bates has the ultimate platform, and he continues to use it to devastating effect. His claim that those dissenting against him are a minority is as “wild and unsubstantiated” as any claim made by his opposition.
“There are ‘none as deaf as those that won’t hear’” Bates concludes. And he’s right, but the hard of hearing exist on both sides of the divide and Ken Bates demonstrates that quite brilliantly by once again failing to address the concerns of the Leeds United fanbase.
There’s only two ways this stand-off will end - either there’s communication and compromise between the two parties, or Ken Bates leaves Leeds United Football Club. If the latter isn’t going to happen any time soon, Ken Bates really should be attempting the former. Continued attacks on supporters only serves to heighten the unrest.

Ken Bates' Programme Notes v Blackburn Rovers 01/09/2012

What a good start to the season. winning four out of five games played, seventh in the Championship and into the Third Round of the Capital One Cup. Plus 11 goals scored. only three goals conceded and three clean sheets.
As I have said before, Neil is running a tight ship, the players are working hard and playing for each other. This was obvious against Oxford, Neil made six changes, the new men fitted in seamlessly and achieved the result with two youngsters In Poleon and Thompson gaining a little more experience. albeit fleetingly.
However, today is the big test. Blackburn Rovers... just relegated, rich Indian owners and having a financial advantage with the Premier League parachute payments for the next four seasons. This is the last game before an international week and we will have played three of the toughest teams in the Championship. A tough start but we have to play them all twice at some time or the other.
It was interesting to review the Capital One Cup results. No less than eight of the reportedly 'rich' clubs were knocked out by opponents from a lower division. Perhaps money and big squads are not the answer. Food for thought for the small minority clamouring for somebody else to finance their Premier League dreams!
It has been a difficult summer for the club communication-wise. We signed a confidentiality agreement with the potential investors which means that we have said very little.
Because of this. rumours are rife. speculation about this has given licence to small groups of so-called fans with a hidden agenda to make wild unsubstantiated statements about the future of the club. What I will suggest is that when you read a so-called press release or statement on the web, don't take it at face value. Ask yourself is there any evidence to support what is written? Is it just speculation, gossip? Or is there some other motive?
I am deeply conscious that so many clubs have been acquired by so-called rich owners, who have Invested for all the wrong reasons, and are now a shadow of their former selves. An examination of the league table (including League One) will help you identify the clubs that have or are, still suffering.
Not only was the Oxford United result pleasing. so was the attendance of 13,827.
However an awful lot of you turned up at the last minute and were met by queues at the Ticket Office stretching as far back as the North Stand. Please try to come earlier so that you can better enjoy the matchday experience.
Don't forget, if you are a Club Member. both Billy's Bar and the Pavilion are open (Pavilion from 5pm onwards for an evening game and 10.30am for a day-time game). Watch the big screens showing the early live Sky games to keep you informed on what is happening in the world of soccer.
Remember, you have a priority booking period in which to purchase your ticket ahead of the general public. Book online at www.leedsunited.com or buy at the Ticket Office. Counter sales (non-matchdays) are Mon-Sat from 9am-5.30pm (from Superstore) and Telesales Mon-Fri from 9am-5.15pm. Call centre opens Saturdays 9am-1pm.
When a manager leaves the club, he leaves behind his mistakes, some of which are costly. Fans think when a player leaves the club, that this is the end wig. One in, one out - no costs Incurred. It doesn't work like that. Currently we are covering the wages of players that the current manager doesn't want at the cost of over £2m.
This is in addition to the settlement costs already incurred to get unwanted players out of the club. This is a heavy burden to carry over and above the wage bill for the current playing staff.
This is something fans should remember. Transfer fees are only part of the picture. In addition to wages, there are signing-on fees, appearance monies and bonuses, NH IC, agents' fees and five per cent as Football League levies. Remember: even if a player is a stinker, he still has to be paid. Furthermore, if a player has a long-term injury, he is still on full pay (and so he should be), plus all the medical costs incurred to get him back to fitness (you can hardly send him down to the local hospital A&E).
Summing up, there is a lot that goes on, and is going on behind the scenes, which unfortunately cannot be put in the public arena. However, rest assured that having spent the last seven and a half years clawing the club back from the abyss, I am determined that when I move on my legacy will be that the club is in safe hands and will take Leeds United to the next level. Meanwhile the club will continue to be run along proper lines, despite the clamour of the small minority. There are 'none as deaf as those that won't hear" that this has to be the case.
We have a Premier League ground - which is the envy of many - and a determined manager with a dedicated squad of players. Onwards and upwards!
Questions that are to be asked and satisfactory answers to be received from any would-be investor are as follows, which has been the club's consistent stance through my chairmanship.

• Proof of Funds? (ie: Have they got the money?)
• Who are they? (ie: Who owns the negotiating company?)
• Fit and Proper Persons? (ie: Who are the proposed Directors and will they pass the Owners and Director's test with the Football League and FA?)
• What is the proposed method of running the club? (ie. State your business plan?)
• What is your reason for wanting to invest in the club? (ie. Show us your motives for investing?)

 As you read these notes, you will know that the story in The Sun on Thursday was clearly untrue.
I am surprised that they did not check the story before printing it, but then again even if they did, we could not have commented. Again we have had to wait for time to pass to prove it wrong!