All change at Leeds as Murphy signs and Nooruddin takes control of club
Yorkshire Post 2/7/13
Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Crewe midfielder Luke Murphy for a reported fee in the region of £1m.
The 23-year-old, who captained Crewe in League One last season, has signed a three-year deal at Elland Road.
Murphy, who becomes Leeds manager Brian McDermott’s second signing following the arrival of Matt Smith from Oldham, had previously held talks with Wolves, while Blackburn were also reported to have had a seven-figure bid accepted on Friday.
The deal is a major boost to Leeds after McDermott admitted last week he was not sure whether owners GFH Capital had made transfer funds available.
“Myself, the owners, the staff, the players, and I’m sure I can speak for the supporters on this one, are absolutely delighted to sign Luke,” McDermott said.
“He’s a player I’ve known for a long time, I’ve watched his career progress, and I feel he was the best player in his division last year. I’d like to thank the owners for making this deal happen. We had spoken about Luke earlier in the summer being one of the key signings we’re looking to make.”
The deal came on what was a busy day at Elland Road as owners GFH Capital announced a major boardroom re-shuffle.
Chief executive Shaun Harvey stood down after almost a decade in the role as GFH announced director Salah Nooruddin would become chairman with David Haigh, deputy chief executive at GFH Capital and instrumental in their takeover at Leeds last December, appointed managing director.
Bahrain-based businessman Nooruddin, who bought 10 per cent of GFH Capital’s 100 per cent stake in Leeds in March, moves up from vice-chairman at Elland Road, while Haigh’s new role will see him take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the club.
Nooruddin, who used to work for Bahrain’s International Investment Bank and has interests in real estate, said: “We are pleased to welcome David Haigh to his new role.
“He and I will continue to work with the rest of the board, the management team, Brian McDermott and his team to build the foundations on and off the pitch of a successful future for Leeds United.
“At the same time we extend our thanks to Shaun for his services to the club over the past nine years. Shaun will remain as a director of the club to offer us his considerable footballing experience.
“He has always given strong leadership to the football club in what have often been challenging times.”
Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Crewe midfielder Luke Murphy for a reported fee in the region of £1m.The 23-year-old, who captained Crewe in League One last season, has signed a three-year deal at Elland Road.
Murphy, who becomes Leeds manager Brian McDermott’s second signing following the arrival of Matt Smith from Oldham, had previously held talks with Wolves, while Blackburn were also reported to have had a seven-figure bid accepted on Friday.
The deal is a major boost to Leeds after McDermott admitted last week he was not sure whether owners GFH Capital had made transfer funds available.
“Myself, the owners, the staff, the players, and I’m sure I can speak for the supporters on this one, are absolutely delighted to sign Luke,” McDermott said.
“He’s a player I’ve known for a long time, I’ve watched his career progress, and I feel he was the best player in his division last year. I’d like to thank the owners for making this deal happen. We had spoken about Luke earlier in the summer being one of the key signings we’re looking to make.”
The deal came on what was a busy day at Elland Road as owners GFH Capital announced a major boardroom re-shuffle.
Chief executive Shaun Harvey stood down after almost a decade in the role as GFH announced director Salah Nooruddin would become chairman with David Haigh, deputy chief executive at GFH Capital and instrumental in their takeover at Leeds last December, appointed managing director.
Bahrain-based businessman Nooruddin, who bought 10 per cent of GFH Capital’s 100 per cent stake in Leeds in March, moves up from vice-chairman at Elland Road, while Haigh’s new role will see him take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the club.
Nooruddin, who used to work for Bahrain’s International Investment Bank and has interests in real estate, said: “We are pleased to welcome David Haigh to his new role.
“He and I will continue to work with the rest of the board, the management team, Brian McDermott and his team to build the foundations on and off the pitch of a successful future for Leeds United.
“At the same time we extend our thanks to Shaun for his services to the club over the past nine years. Shaun will remain as a director of the club to offer us his considerable footballing experience.
“He has always given strong leadership to the football club in what have often been challenging times.”