Birch considers Leeds inquiry - ThisIsLondon 23/12/03

ThisisLondon  23 December 2003 Leeds acting-chairman Trevor Birch today promised to consider an independent inquiry into the running of the club over the last five years. With John McKenzie stepping down as plc chairman at the annual general meeting at Elland Road, albeit remaining on the football club board as a director, Birch has now assumed overall control and a new job title. Initially appointed as chief executive, Birch will be in temporary charge until at least January 19, the deadline agreed with creditors while a buyer is sought for the club currently £78million in debt. Birch's appointment as a director was overwhelmingly agreed by shareholders, who understandably voiced their anger and frustration at how the club had managed to find themselves in such a financial mess. One shareholder described the Leeds board, primarily harking back to the era under Peter Ridsdale, as "inept" and "incompetent", while another claimed they were now "the laughing stock of the football world". Such accusations prompted a suggestion that Leeds should implement an independent inquiry to discover why the club stand on the brink of administration. "Shareholders have a right to be angry," said Birch, who it has been revealed is the highest-paid director in the history of the club as he is earning £500,000-per-year, although he is continuing to work without a contract. "On the face of it, it (the club's financial record) is difficult to defend as the results speak for themselves. But John came in, steadied the club and steered it through turbulent waters. The reality is the ship is still afloat. It may well have sunk if John had not implemented pretty difficult decisions in terms of taking cuts out of the business. In terms of an inquiry, all my efforts are concentrated on the club, and I'm not sure who would take it on and how it would be financed. But it's something to look at once Leeds United is safe. For now, we are totally geared towards saving the club." Due to Stock Market regulations, Birch was unable to divulge to the 250-strong meeting any details of negotiations ongoing with potential buyers, or their identity. Former deputy plc chairman Allan Leighton is believed to be favourite to take over with a consortium, although he came in for strong criticism, as did McKenzie. Birch, though, reassured the shareholders a buyer would be found as he said: "We are talking to a number of interested parties and it is a very delicate set of negotiations. We have to hope they are concluded within the time frame otherwise the alternative is the club falls over, but I am confident something will be done." Birch, meanwhile, has again warned Manchester United off a bid for Mark Viduka, with Sir Alex Ferguson poised to make a move in the January transfer window. Ferguson watched Viduka during Leeds' 1-1 draw at Manchester City, with the striker scoring his second goal in as many games to give the Whites another vital point in the battle to beat the drop. "No club can say a player is not for sale if the figure is not the right one," added Birch, with United understood to have already made an approach for the Australia international. "But we don't want to sell anybody and we don't need to sell anybody. Selling a player for £3.5million makes no difference to the level of debt and only weakens the playing squad." Caretaker-manager Eddie Gray was given a standing ovation when he was introduced, and concluded the meeting in rousing fashion. "Everybody is here for one reason and that's because we love Leeds United," said Gray. "If we all stick together then we can make this club great again because I firmly believe we should be among the elite clubs with Manchester United and Arsenal. It's up to me and the players to turn things round and if we get it right on the pitch then everything else takes care of itself. I will say that we will do our utmost to survive in the Premier League, and if we do that then I am sure we will go on and get back into Europe. I know people have reservations about the financial side, but everybody is working hard to get us back on an even keel. On the pitch, there are good players at this club and if you get behind them, as you have been doing, then we will climb the table."