"Beckford, Johnson, Gradel and Howson all left because they were offered a chance to play in a higher league, on higher wages. How do you suggest we held on to them, short of using Ridsdale's business model?"
There's a huge difference between keeping our best players and what you describe as the Ridsdale model. Perpetually inferring that you can only have Batesism or Ridsdaleism is conveniently ignoring the possibility of middle ground. It is known through Bates' own statements that he budgets to spend less than 30% of turnover on players (wages and fees), whilst frittering money away on ill run bars and corporate facilities. He can spend millions on corporate boxes to earn a few grand a week, yet wouldn't buy Thorpe Arch or the Stadium to save a few million a year. Defend Bates if you want but don't kid yourself that he is or has ever been the only alternative. "We've been down this road before, haven't we. Without parachute payments or a sugardaddy we can't compete on player wages. Nor should we." That's bull and you know it, we're not talking Seth Johnson here, we're talking Johnny Howson. We're talking a failure to use the proceeds of an offer 'too good to turn down' to provide a replacement - despite quotes at the time saying they would be used for exactly that purpose! Stop swallowing Bates' rhetoric and look at the facts. Read what he actually says not what he wants you to think he says. For example: I saved Leeds twice - what did he save Leeds from? First time was supposed to be administration but we went bust anyway and 2nd time he saved us from the white knights when his cronies tipped the scale in his favour. I'd rather he hadn't bothered as we are no better off today than when Adulant Force fell for his lies and half-truths 7 years ago. "Bates out, but only if a significantly more wealthy replacement is prepared to take over." Ethics and morals don't come into your reckoning then? Just as long as he's rich? Tell your kids that do you? There's no such thing as right and wrong just 'has money' and 'hasn't money'? What a wonderfully socially responsible person you are! _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
