----- Original Message -----
Surprised not to have heard much on the list about the new ST price
announcement from yesterday.
Unfortunately there isn't much that is new to be said on this. Previous
postings ever since Bates arrived dealt in some detail with the fact that
Bates is not here for the love of Leeds United, that he has access to
sufficient funds but wants to use YOUR money instead to finance the club so
that he can sell it (after promotion ?) and make another financial killing.
There is nothing new in that strategy either for Bates - refer to Broken
Dreams by Tom Bower.
Both the membership scheme (with its associated and unprovoked attack on
LUSC) and the price hikes (price gouges) are just increasing the value of
the club for when Bates cashes in. One way or another the fans will have
paid for the club and Bates will pocket the lot. The newspapers very
stupidly fall into the trap by talking about "investment" required from the
fans when this amounts to financial nonsense. As anyone should know,
INVESTORS expect part ownership of whatever they are investing in. Bates is
retaining 100% ownership therefore there is no reality in this supposed fans
investment. Quite simply it is nonsense to talk about increased investment
by the fans. What it REALLY is is nothing more than the ripping off of
committed CUSTOMERS. Bates takes it further by exploiting the pride and
loyalty of those same fans by telling them that their commitment and desire
is being tested and that they will have to pay up to show their true
commitment to the club. Any trick in the book in fact to use as much as
possible of other peoples money to increase his own payout at the end of the
day when he will go laughing all the way back to the Bank of Monaco (Geneva
branch).
Of course, Bates is actually only the chairman - he does not OWN the club.
No doubt his solicitor will be in contact with anyone who says otherwise.
We might as well rename the club - Bates United Money Machine Elland Road
(offshore) Ltd (never mind Romans Heavies)
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oh alright then :-)
