In the midst of takeover talks, GFH Capital chief executive David Haigh described Leeds United as like “a young Pamela Anderson – in great shape, with superb assets and a great future ahead”.
Had Haigh’s statement come in years gone by, the supermodel’s seedy sex-tapes, tax-dodging and 2009 film ‘Superhero Movie’ may have sprung a more critical comparison to the Ken Bates administration of late.
But, although takeover talks appear to have stagnated in the last month, the club’s rise in the Championship this season has been encouraging, with the Whites sitting just six points from the top, and awaiting a Fourth Round League Cup tie with Southampton this week.
Since a three-game blip saw Leeds slip to 14th, United have gone six games unbeaten, with injury worries deteriorating as Rodolph Austin, Michael Tonge, David Norris and Paul Green returned to the first-team fold against Sheffield Wednesday.
Focusing on matters on the pitch, United have been scoring fairly freely, with Argentine talisman Luciano Becchio netting eight in 11 Championship games, and second-striker El Hadj Diouf pleasing his manager with solid performances.
Despite Diouf’s controversial claims over former teammate Steven Gerrard’s egotistical nature making national news, the forward contributed a great performance as the Whites overcame in-form Everton in the Cup, and has since captained the side.
The rise of young full-back come winger Sam Byram has been a positive to come from the injury crisis, and the recent loan signing of Ryan Hall – namesake of the Rhino’s try scorer – boosts confidence on the opposite flank for the coming games.
However, it has been another summer signing who has been the focus of fans. Central midfielder Austin’s hard-tackling nature has drawn plaudits, providing strong cover for a defence which has leaked goals somewhat away from home.
Still, though, player achievements are being usurped by off-pitch matters.
Most recently, Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was attacked by a Leeds fan while invading the pitch at Hillsborough. The yob has since been identified as Aaron Crawley, a 20-year-old hooligan in the middle of a seven- ear ban from all football grounds.
Wednesday manager Dave Jones labelled the Elland Road faithful “vile animals” – a statement which has been greeted with anger by Bates – himself the centre of the wrath of many fans.
Indeed, amidst ongoing takeover talks between Bahraini-based business GFH Capital and their out-of-touch chairman, Bates has taken to submitting anti-fan statements in an ill-advised attempt to clear his name.
Targeting the Leeds United Supporters Trust (LUST), Bates addressed LUFCTV saying “they are a waste of space, a pain in the arse and achieving nothing” calling trust members an “ignorant illiterate minority”.
The 80-year-old chairman may want to reconsider his last statement, as fans continue to protest over his leadership.
While Bates’ antics continue to draw the negative press, an improving Leeds side currently sit in 7th, after a midweek draw with
Charlton.
Author: Jamie Kirby