Lucas confirms Leeds bid but GFHC remain silent
To Ell And Back 20/11/13
Lucas Radebe has today confirmed he IS behind a bid to buy a stake in Leeds United, however GFHC who at the weekend claimed to be "bewildered" by the speculation involving the ex Leeds skipper have yet to comment again.
Radebe said on his website: "I can confirm that I am part of a consortium which has submitted a preliminary indication of interest regarding the acquisition of a stake in Leeds United.
"We hope to continue our recent discussions confidentially."
Radebe's comments come exactly one-month after he was a guest of honour at our 4-0 win over Birmingham City. Although it is understood Radebe has discussed investing in the club he graced for 11 years including a spell as captain for some time, his visit last month was not to discuss the move involving a consortium who BBC Leeds tonight claimed included Gary Verity, Chief Exec of "Welcome to Yorkshire".
GFH capital are also believed to have turned down an offer of just £7m for a controlling stake in the club they reportedly paid £22m to Ken Bates for little under a year ago. Whether this came from the group Lucas is part of remains to be seen, however the rest of his statement released today on his website appears to suggest investment rather than full-blown buy-out.
"We would like the opportunity to explain both the substance of our proposal, and our strategy for working with GFH Capital to continue the rebuilding process at the club," Radebe added. . "Leeds United has a special place in my heart. Ever since I retired I have been considering ways to get involved at the club - working at board level with an equity interest would be the pinnacle.
"It is my dream scenario. I would not have become involved if I didn't think our consortium would be able to help give the club a chance to go back up to the Premier League where it belongs, and to keep it there.
"I am hopeful we can find a way forward and make progress."
I'm sure most fans would welcome any new investors on board, but the presence of Lucas Radebe is bound to be a sure fire winner amongst the fans who still adore him nearly 10 years since he last played for us.
Hopefully GFH Capital will clarify the situation in the morning and be willing to enter into negotiations with the man who is a legend in both South Africa and Leeds.
Lucas Radebe has today confirmed he IS behind a bid to buy a stake in Leeds United, however GFHC who at the weekend claimed to be "bewildered" by the speculation involving the ex Leeds skipper have yet to comment again.
Radebe said on his website: "I can confirm that I am part of a consortium which has submitted a preliminary indication of interest regarding the acquisition of a stake in Leeds United.
"We hope to continue our recent discussions confidentially."
Radebe's comments come exactly one-month after he was a guest of honour at our 4-0 win over Birmingham City. Although it is understood Radebe has discussed investing in the club he graced for 11 years including a spell as captain for some time, his visit last month was not to discuss the move involving a consortium who BBC Leeds tonight claimed included Gary Verity, Chief Exec of "Welcome to Yorkshire".
GFH capital are also believed to have turned down an offer of just £7m for a controlling stake in the club they reportedly paid £22m to Ken Bates for little under a year ago. Whether this came from the group Lucas is part of remains to be seen, however the rest of his statement released today on his website appears to suggest investment rather than full-blown buy-out.
"We would like the opportunity to explain both the substance of our proposal, and our strategy for working with GFH Capital to continue the rebuilding process at the club," Radebe added. . "Leeds United has a special place in my heart. Ever since I retired I have been considering ways to get involved at the club - working at board level with an equity interest would be the pinnacle.
"It is my dream scenario. I would not have become involved if I didn't think our consortium would be able to help give the club a chance to go back up to the Premier League where it belongs, and to keep it there.
"I am hopeful we can find a way forward and make progress."
I'm sure most fans would welcome any new investors on board, but the presence of Lucas Radebe is bound to be a sure fire winner amongst the fans who still adore him nearly 10 years since he last played for us.
Hopefully GFH Capital will clarify the situation in the morning and be willing to enter into negotiations with the man who is a legend in both South Africa and Leeds.
