Leeds takeover continues to run and run and run...
By Andy Baggott
November 10 2012
Another week closes, and this godforsaken takeover still isn't finalised. Now, I appreciate I'm not an expert in the field of multi million takeover deals, but come on - how long? Prospective new owner offers a fee, seller wants more, they haggle and agree a fee. Complete Due Diligance, see what comes out, haggle a bit more, agree a fee, and sign some paperwork. Now, I'm not naive enough to think that this is all there is, but 6 months to thrash it out is beyond a joke. It does seem clear that we are in the final throes of this, and completion is due any day now (where have we heard that before?).
So what are we going to get? This is where the waters get even murkier. We've heard rumours, speculation and untruths, but are we out of the frying pan and into the fire? Most will agree that Bates has had his day. Never a popular Chairman, he has put us on a decent financial footing, and we have been primed foir a takeover for some time. Bates clearly hasn't got the funds to take us any further foreward, so some big money is needed. However, are GFHC money men? Have they got the serious financial clout to make us not only competative in the Championship, but to also make us something of a force in the Premiership, if and when we get there? The stories vary - they need more investers, thery're borrowing against us, they have plenty of money etc. Six months since they came to the table (or a version of them came did), we really don't know - the communication from both the old, and the potential new regime has been poor - really poor. Six months ago, the Leeds fans were excited - really excited - new owners, new money, new start. Now? A lot of indifference to be honest. A lot of fans are bored by it all, and many have huge concerns about the new mob.
If, and when this takeover happens, GFHC will have to do some serious PR - its a fantastic opportunity to really unite the fans - if they haven't left it too late. Bridges need building with organisations like the LUST, there needs to be some really clear, honest lines of communication opened, and they need to learn fast from Bates' failings. Getting the fans behind them would be massive, and it's essential. 6 months ago it would have been incredibly easy, now, there is already mistrust.
Lets hope that in the next few days we have a much clearer picture of what has gone on, and more importantly what the short, medium an long term plans are... We deserve better than what we have had for the last 10 years or so - let's hope GFHC are the saviours, and not another set of chancers...
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LEEDS UNITED INTERNATIONALLY
FAMOUS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
Should have read DAZE away!
Must be shocking for all you guys pinning your hopes and dreams on this farce...you have my sympathy.