Leeds United could step in and bid for a historic ground with links to the club in an effort to save it from being developed on, according to a former MP. The TV Harrison Sports Ground in Wortley is the subject of social housing development planning after decades of disuse, but campaigners claim the site’s historical links to the city’s football club mean it should be preserved.
The ground was the former home of Leeds City Boys football club where several Whites legends made their names before being scouted by the club. Players including Paul Madeley, Paul Reeney, Brain Deane and David Batty were spotted by professional sides as a result of their time at the club.
Leeds City council have set out planning applications to build around 60 houses on the site, with the Leeds Schools Sports Association (LSSA) - the majority shareholders of the land - claiming money from the sale of the ground will be reinvested into sports facilities across the city.
In an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post , however, former MP Michael Meadowcroft has suggested the club have already offered to buy the ground and restore it back to its former glory.
“The news of Leeds United’s offer to buy the TV Harrison Sports Ground is a game changer and a terrific boost for the campaign to safeguard this historic sports ground. Meadowcroft told the YEP. "Our association will be delighted to work alongside Leeds United in whatever plans the club has for safeguarding and developing Wortley’s historic sports ground.
“Leeds United has always looked out for talented local players and the T V Harrison Sports Ground was invariably on the list of grounds to be visited by its scouts. For over one hundred years the famed Leeds City Boys played there and this was the team that nurtured so many famous Leeds United old boys
"For the group after three years of struggling on its own, winning a legal case against the city council, to have Leeds United involved in this way is a complete game-changer. They are bringing the massive fanbase of Leeds United behind the campaign, and I can't see how that can be anything other than a tremendous boost to saving this historic sport ground.”
Leeds United did not confirm the claims made by Mr Meadowcroft, but admitted they are aware of the situation regarding the ground and its historical relevance.
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