Leeds Today
Fan-tastic
United support for club saviours
by phil hay
The chairman of Leeds United Supporters Club believes today's £30m takeover will halt the darkest period of the club's history and "bring the smiles back to Elland Road".
Months of turmoil were ended this morning when the sale of United to a
Leeds-based consortium was confirmed after protracted negotiations with the Elland Road board.
The YEP understands that the new owners will meet with supporters' groups over the next fortnight to outline their plans for the future and reassure fans that United are in safe hands.
United were on the brink of administration with debts of £104m after a disastrous spell under former chairman Peter Ridsdale, which saw the club fall from Champions League contenders to relegation candidates.
Eddie Gray's side remain at the foot of the Premiership with 10 games of the season remaining but, with the decks now clear and the
club on course for a sound financial footing, supporters club chairman Ray Fell is hoping for a new, successful era to evolve.
He told the YEP: "It's been a nightmare couple of years but hopefully now the smiles will start coming back to Elland Road. We've had trials and tribulations, and there's been a lot of apprehension over the outcome of these negotiations. But we realise this consortium presents the best option for Leeds, and we're delighted someone's come along.
"We are not going to get Utopia overnight but with the debts cleared, the money coming in can now work for Leeds.
"The consortium have made the commitment and although there's a long road ahead, I'm happy. I hope that this will help to settle the players, and I'm hoping we can now avoid relegation."
But Fell also urged caution among supporters, insisting United had plenty to do before they could dream of returning to the heights which saw them reach the last four of the Champions League under David O'Leary.
"We do need to be cautious about this because the problems are still there.
"Everyone was worried about administration for a long time, and some spoke of liquidation, but with the debts gone I hope we can now look forward."
First for all the twists and turns in the United saga
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24: The YEP is first to break news of the Yorkshire-based consortium entering the race to save the cash-strapped Elland Road club.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17: The YEP's Paul Dews reveals that the club's major creditors have accepted a £30m offer from the Yorkshire-based consortium.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28: The YEP reports that United's best hope of survival lies with the local consortium after creditors refused an extension of the standstill agreement.
THURSDAY, MARCH 4: In an exclusive interview, consortium spokesman Gerald Krasner tells the YEP that the main priority is to rid United of their crippling debt.
we're ahead of the game - the YEP is the only paper for united exclusives
Fan-tastic
United support for club saviours
by phil hay
The chairman of Leeds United Supporters Club believes today's £30m takeover will halt the darkest period of the club's history and "bring the smiles back to Elland Road".
Months of turmoil were ended this morning when the sale of United to a
Leeds-based consortium was confirmed after protracted negotiations with the Elland Road board.
The YEP understands that the new owners will meet with supporters' groups over the next fortnight to outline their plans for the future and reassure fans that United are in safe hands.
United were on the brink of administration with debts of £104m after a disastrous spell under former chairman Peter Ridsdale, which saw the club fall from Champions League contenders to relegation candidates.
Eddie Gray's side remain at the foot of the Premiership with 10 games of the season remaining but, with the decks now clear and the
club on course for a sound financial footing, supporters club chairman Ray Fell is hoping for a new, successful era to evolve.
He told the YEP: "It's been a nightmare couple of years but hopefully now the smiles will start coming back to Elland Road. We've had trials and tribulations, and there's been a lot of apprehension over the outcome of these negotiations. But we realise this consortium presents the best option for Leeds, and we're delighted someone's come along.
"We are not going to get Utopia overnight but with the debts cleared, the money coming in can now work for Leeds.
"The consortium have made the commitment and although there's a long road ahead, I'm happy. I hope that this will help to settle the players, and I'm hoping we can now avoid relegation."
But Fell also urged caution among supporters, insisting United had plenty to do before they could dream of returning to the heights which saw them reach the last four of the Champions League under David O'Leary.
"We do need to be cautious about this because the problems are still there.
"Everyone was worried about administration for a long time, and some spoke of liquidation, but with the debts gone I hope we can now look forward."
First for all the twists and turns in the United saga
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24: The YEP is first to break news of the Yorkshire-based consortium entering the race to save the cash-strapped Elland Road club.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17: The YEP's Paul Dews reveals that the club's major creditors have accepted a £30m offer from the Yorkshire-based consortium.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28: The YEP reports that United's best hope of survival lies with the local consortium after creditors refused an extension of the standstill agreement.
THURSDAY, MARCH 4: In an exclusive interview, consortium spokesman Gerald Krasner tells the YEP that the main priority is to rid United of their crippling debt.
we're ahead of the game - the YEP is the only paper for united exclusives
