Leeds United Supporters’ Trust hope to see clarity moving forward at Elland Road under the new ownership. The news broke on Friday night that minority shareholders 49ers Enterprises had struck a deal to complete the full purchase of the Whites, buying out Andrea Radrizzani’s share of the club.
Details still need to be worked through at this point as the American investment group prepare to take full control at Elland Road, but the hope is that plans can now be formalised as the new Championship season nears. Radrizzani spent six years as owner and chairman of the Whites and the Supporters’ Trust have acknowledged the positive aspects to his time at the club, but in a statement released on Friday evening, they have described Leeds’ relegation as ‘unforgiveable’.
The Trust have also expressed their delight regarding reports that Angus Kinnear will be staying in his role of chief executive, while they also hope to have regular contact with representatives of the new ownership group.
Read more: 49ers Enterprises strike deal to complete Leeds United takeover
The statement, released on the Trust’s website and official channels, read: “After a long and uncertain period, we are pleased to see the takeover of ownership of Leeds United has finally been completed by the 49ers investment group. We welcome the conclusion of this takeover saga and hope that it represents a new and exciting era for our beloved club.
“The past few years have been very frustrating for Leeds fans, as we have tried to understand how our ownership model has been structured, and we hope that this now brings clearer accountability and decision making.
“Andrea Radrizzani’s six-year term as custodian has come to an end, and we are able to reflect on a tenure of highs and lows. Andrea can be credited with bringing Marcelo Bielsa to Leeds United and also delivering a short-lived return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. It is, however, unforgiveable that he is also responsible for allowing the club to slide back into the Championship after two very poor seasons and punctuating a magical time for Leeds fans with abject disappointment.
“The news that Angus Kinnear will remain in his Chief Executive role means that we can at least build and grow our existing working relationship with him. In fairness, him and his team have been in regular contact with us over the last few weeks to assure us that the club were moving fast to get deals over the line and a process is already in place to shortlist managers and make the right appointment for the club. They have been as open as they reasonably could be during the protracted legal process of a takeover. Our plan now is to ask Angus and a representative from the 49ers to meet with us and our members to help answer the remaining questions we have, update us on the new era and to agree a way forward in delivering better communications and dialogue with the fanbase.
“As we move into the next phase for our club, we do so with caution. There is an urgent need to build a strong relationship between ownership and supporters. We ask that our owners provide us with a clear outline of where the club is heading, the immediate plans to get us back into the Premier League, and a commitment to involve supporters in key decision making that impacts Leeds United’s heritage, ground and fans. In return, they will receive the support of one of world football’s most passionate and loyal fanbases, and the knowledge that if we are all United, then anything is possible.
“We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the 49ers. You won’t find a better (or more demanding) group of fans anywhere else!!
“Marching on Together!”
