Yorkshire Post: "The future is Milner � the future is sold


TEENAGE star James Milner finally completed his controversial move to Newcastle United last night less than two months after the Leeds United board promised they would keep him.

Frustrated supporters, resigned to the likes of Alan Smith and Mark Viduka leaving Elland Road following relegation, had their worst fears realised as one of the brightest young talents in the English game departed for Tyneside.
Struggling to make ends meet financially, the Leeds board have been forced to sell a player loved by the fans and one whom they insisted would remain at the club no matter what.
To make matters worse, it has emerged that while reports have suggested the transfer fee to be �5m, the Yorkshire Post understands Leeds are only likely to see �3.5m of the funds up front with the rest dependent on future performances for club and country.
Milner, for his part, did not ask for the transfer and is understood to have waived a financial package owed to him in order to ensure his home-town club earned the maximum from the deal.
The club yesterday refused to give further details of the player's fine gesture which is thought to amount to �200,000 in fees relating to the four years remaining on his �4,000 a week contract.
Quite why they did not want to flag up Milner's generosity, maturity and good faith is a mystery. Instead, the move will be over-shadowed by thoughts of the mistrust supporters must have with a board which has again gone back on its word.
Managing director David Richmond said in May, soon after Tottenham Hotspur had made an unsuccessful bid for the player, that he was not for sale.
'The young players are not for sale,' said Richmond. 'We can't stop offers for any of them but we certainly haven't been touting players such as James Milner around. The young players like James are the future of the club and all we can do is say no to any offers that are made."
Even at the time his words seemed hollow. In his defence, he could not have realised the complete financial effects of relegation from the Premiership but, at the same time, he should have known his words would come back to haunt him at some stage.
When will football directors learn? Leeds fans have suffered enough in recent seasons through assorted mistakes and misinformation emanating from the boardroom.
Chairman Gerald Krasner even got in on the act yesterday as a statement from him was posted on the club website at lunch-time stating no decision on Milner's sale would be made in haste. A meeting, he claimed, would be held between himself and Richmond next week to discuss the matter before any sale was agreed.
It was removed rather hastily as news of the deal broke around three hours later.
Richmond was right when he said Milner was Leeds United's future. A player who did not want to leave, he should have been allowed to stay and develop into the star performer he will undoubtedly become.
The 18-year-old signed his new five-year contract at Elland Road last year and was due to renegotiate his salary next week.
His agent, Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive Mick McGuire, said: "There has never been a more committed player to Leeds United than James and he will always be a huge fan of the club. He signed a five-year deal last year, he bought a house in the area and his mum and dad have already renewed their season tickets for the coming season.
"It is common knowledge, however, that, as part of Leeds's survival plans, they need to generate income from transfers. We appreciate their dilemma and understand their decision to let James go because the money this raises helps safeguard the future of the club.
"Once Leeds agreed a fee with Newcastle and gave him permission to speak to Sir Bobby Robson, he felt that it was only fair and proper to talk to a club of that magnitude. James is excited about joining one of the premier clubs, who can offer him a major stage and European football. He leaves, however, with a heavy heart and is glad that the money his move has generated will help Leeds in the longer term."
Leeds fans are again left with a sour taste in their mouths.

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