Trust Statement: Rising Concerns at LUFC
Leeds United Supporters Trust 28/1/14The board of LUST recognises the concerns its members are raising in numbers regarding the current situation at the club.
The takeover is apparently stalled, there has been a lack of transfer activity and, if what has been reported in the local media is accurate, at least one of Brian McDermott's targets has been blocked by GFH.
What is happening appears to be at odds with what was expected to happen in terms of completing a takeover and supporting the manager - and what was in fact reported by the club as happening - and we fully understand why this has caused confusion and anger among our members.
We have spoken to people at the club, including David Haigh, made sure they are fully aware of your concerns, and asked for clarity about what exactly is going on, but we can only ask questions and pass on your comments. We cannot force the club to say anymore than it has.
We understand some of the reasons why the club is saying very little at this time, and respect the fact that certain agreements may be in place preventing a more open dialogue with our members and the club's supporters.
However this does little to prevent the anxiety and lack of confidence felt by supporters, players and the management team, and the club should be aware that our members and many other LUFC fans feel that what is happening is detrimental to the club, harmful to our prospects this season and undermining the very good work that has been done before.
With this in mind we would ask our ultimate owners, GFH, to clarify to our members and the club's supporters what the position at the club is now - not with platitudes, public relations or with the interests of your investors in mind, but in accordance with the promises you made when you took control of our club from Ken Bates.
The supporters of this club will be here a long time after you have gone. We have respected your right to use our club as an investment and opened our arms in friendship to you. Now is the time for you to respect our right to some honesty and clarity in exchange.
LUST Update: Conversation with David Haigh
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
LUST Chairman, Gary Cooper, spoke this morning with David Haigh about the concerns many of our members have expressed to us about the time being taken to complete the current takeover process.
We have been contacted by a large number of fans who feel confused, frustrated and increasingly impatient as they wait for the takeover to be completed, and Gary made sure today that David fully understands the strength of feeling among fans who want to know exactly what is going on.
David said that he is fully aware of the concerns being expressed, and that in response he would be happy for us to tell our members that this conversation has taken place. He told Gary that money to complete the deal is in place, that the Football League have been very helpful, and that all that remains is "crossing a few 'Ts' and dotting a few 'Is.'"
David also said he would like to assure our members that Brian McDermott has funds available for players he wants, is able to deal in the transfer market without hindrance during the takeover, and that in effect it is 'business as usual' while completion is achieved.
Referring to the communication between GFH and the stock exchange that was widely reported this morning, David said he understands how confusing information coming from the Middle East can be but he wants to assure our members everything is on course.
Gary would like to thank David for taking the time to talk this morning, and for listening to the concerns expressed to us by our members.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
A Trust Statement
By now, the board of the Trust had hoped to be able to share with our members, as promised, the full story of the events of 2012 as they happened.
Before we can do this, we need to be sure that everyone involved has completed their business, and that there can be no repercussions for anyone involved from telling our story.
During this past autumn we began working in earnest with our friends at The Square Ball to tell the story through the medium of a free to all podcast, with the aim of having this ready before Christmas.
As most of you will be aware, however, various legal actions began late last year between several of the people involved in the takeover process of 2012, due to disputes arising from that process.
We have sought legal opinion and been advised that our plans for the podcast should be put on hold, at least until these cases have progressed through the courts and been concluded.
We realise that this will disappoint many of our members, and we can only apologise for that, but we hope you will all understand why this has to be our position for the time being.
Many thanks for your continued support.
Gary Cooper
Chairman, Leeds United Supporters Trust