Nine years after selling Elland Road, Leeds are close to buying it back (just days after getting rid of Ken Bates)
Mail 2/8/13
Leeds United are closing in on a landmark deal that will see owners GFH Capital buy back the club's stadium, Elland Road.
According to BBC Radio Leeds, the club's owners, who took over in December 2012, are on the brink of sealing a multi-million pound deal that will see the near 40,000 capacity stadium return into Leeds United hands for the first time in nine years.
In 2004, amid desperate financial problems that culminated in administration and two relegations, Leeds had little option but to sell Elland Road on a lease back deal.
With the West Yorkshire club dropping down to the third tier of English football in 2007 and facing further financial strain, the opportunity has rarely arisen to reclaim ownership of their famous home.
After several years of stagnation in the Championship under controversial chairman Ken Bates, a new era has dawned at Elland Road with the arrival of GFH Capital, who have appointed Brian McDermott as manager and dismissed Bates from his position as President last week after a dispute over expenses.
GFH's involvement with the club is led by David Haigh in the role of Managing Director and Salah Nooruddin as Chairman, with the new owners determined to guide Leeds back to the Barclays Premier League.
Leeds United launch their assault on promotion this weekend with a home clash against Brighton and over 30,000 fans are expected at Elland Road as a new wave of optimism courses through the club after a decade of hurt and frustration.
McDermott has added three new signings to his squad - Noel Hunt from Reading, Matt Smith from Oldham and Luke Murphy from Crewe - and striker Ross McCormack believes that Leeds should be aiming for a return to the top flight after a nine year absence away from the Premier League.
McCormack said: 'We’ve got to go for promotion. Top six is the minimum for a club this size. If I’m standing here now and I don’t believe that we can have a go then I’m as well just hanging up my boots, aren’t I? I believe in myself and I believe in the other guys here. They’re good enough to challenge.'
Leeds United are closing in on a landmark deal that will see owners GFH Capital buy back the club's stadium, Elland Road.
According to BBC Radio Leeds, the club's owners, who took over in December 2012, are on the brink of sealing a multi-million pound deal that will see the near 40,000 capacity stadium return into Leeds United hands for the first time in nine years.
In 2004, amid desperate financial problems that culminated in administration and two relegations, Leeds had little option but to sell Elland Road on a lease back deal.
With the West Yorkshire club dropping down to the third tier of English football in 2007 and facing further financial strain, the opportunity has rarely arisen to reclaim ownership of their famous home.
After several years of stagnation in the Championship under controversial chairman Ken Bates, a new era has dawned at Elland Road with the arrival of GFH Capital, who have appointed Brian McDermott as manager and dismissed Bates from his position as President last week after a dispute over expenses.
GFH's involvement with the club is led by David Haigh in the role of Managing Director and Salah Nooruddin as Chairman, with the new owners determined to guide Leeds back to the Barclays Premier League.
Leeds United launch their assault on promotion this weekend with a home clash against Brighton and over 30,000 fans are expected at Elland Road as a new wave of optimism courses through the club after a decade of hurt and frustration.
McDermott has added three new signings to his squad - Noel Hunt from Reading, Matt Smith from Oldham and Luke Murphy from Crewe - and striker Ross McCormack believes that Leeds should be aiming for a return to the top flight after a nine year absence away from the Premier League.
McCormack said: 'We’ve got to go for promotion. Top six is the minimum for a club this size. If I’m standing here now and I don’t believe that we can have a go then I’m as well just hanging up my boots, aren’t I? I believe in myself and I believe in the other guys here. They’re good enough to challenge.'