On 04/03/2012 09:40, Michael ALCOCK wrote:
It's not just the state of the club that's putting people off, but in the current climate, it's certainly helping to keep people away.
Good point well put Michael. But add to this the unseemly way in which Bates conducts himself (and was always known to conduct himself) and then it is easy to see why so many of us, who have been as stalwart a supporter as the next person, just refuse point blank to fund this bizarre man's activities. My reasons go much deeper than just my unstinting support for "the club" - thanks for the definitions Rick, I thought they were useful.
As I said at the start of his tenure, it would have been better if Bates had spent his time taking his lovely wife to bingo and leaving Leeds United alone. There was another offer on the table when he took over but for whatever reason Krasner and his colleagues decided to install Bates.
Whatever Bates and his apologists may say about there being no other offer on the table I disagree. Norman Stubbs had all the correct funding and ideas in place following extensive and expensive due diligence. Due diligence which I had explained to me extensively in the Summer before Bates did take over by a respected Judge, who is also a Leeds fan. The key problems were the tax man and the ground followed closely by the demands being made by the consortium. (For instance one member of the consortium, Helm, apparently wanted to remain a director).
Dave Nattan and I spoke on the eve of the takeover as I was heading by train to Leeds to sit in on the final hours of the signing off. He was the person who told me Bates was taking over and like many others I couldn't believe it. Norman Stubbs and his team were sat waiting in their Lawyer's office all ready to take over when Bates appeared. The wrangling went on late into the day and in the end the Stubbs team just went home. Simon Morris had been quite laid back about the Stubbs deal and was not happy about Bates but in the end went with his pals. (Morris had met with Stubbs and co that day) Krasner's mob must have seen more advantage in the Bates deal which looked to be, in essence, to pay the taxman off asap.
I had concrete assurances from the Stubbs group that they would investigate ways to involve fans in a meaningful way with the club, something I still feel is the key to getting out of this mess but which I still hasn't been explored properly by either the fans or the club or any potential buyer. Even Redbus during the administration wanted to check this out as a possibility.
Norman's support was made up of a number of well heeled and financially liquid businessmen, all of whom were Leeds supporters and all of whom understood the potential risks. After Bates took over Norman rang me, he said that there was nothing much more to be done. I asked him if he had any options left and he replied "Nope, its on to the next project". In later months he told me that he had had approaches from Bates about investing in the club, Bates however would not talk unless Norman put several millions up front.
The immediate wrangling that took place post the Krasner period show just how useless as owners they were so I suppose whatever the outcome we were going to end up here. Until a proper management is put in place, one that really understands Leeds United as a club and one who understands that we are in 2012 and not 1812 we will stay in the doldrums for a very long time yet.
Time for I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue methinks............... Betty _______________________________________________ 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
