When Ken Bates took up the helm at Elland Road he made buying back the stadium and training facilities a high priority. At present there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the true owners. Leeds chief executive Shaun Harvey told the Yorkshire Evening Post: ‘We have approached the council with a request that they assist the club by providing a mortgage so we are able to re-purchase both the stadium and Thorp Arch. Further adding, ‘The mortgage sought from the council would be comfortably covered by security in the form of a charge over the stadium and Thorp Arch and also a personal guarantee from a prominent Leeds businessman.’
As most Whites fans are sorely aware, businessmen baring gifts rarely come to fruition. The principle of buying back our assets however, must be a positive. Does this move have and underlying motive?
The recent allocation of differing sized casinos to various cities has sparked some speculation about the wasteland area to the west of Elland Road. It’s no secret that if the area was developed properly it would be a massive source of income to the club. Having seen two similar proposals, including a police station, arena, casino, transport hub and car parking, it looks very good for the future of the region.
I for one hope that Uncle Ken truly has the future of Leeds United at heart, and not his bank balance!
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