v odd, especially in view of reports ER already sold but there you go. anyway happy new year to all, christmas blues get thee hence and surely things must get better? guy
LEEDS United could become the first club to DOWNSIZE as part of a long-term strategy unvelied by chairman Ken Bates. Bates is considering selling the club's Elland Road stadium to a property developer amid plans to build a new 20,000 ground at nearby Birstall. The ex-Chelsea supremo believes Elland Road is becoming a financial noose around the stricken club's neck and his ground-swap plans could be implimented as soon as next year if Leeds are relegated this season. Leeds have strugled to bring in more than 20,000 fans this term, leaving around 20,000 extra seats empty. Bates will bring in around £10m by selling Elland Road and three car-park sites, pumping all money raised into the new stadium - which is likely to be sponsored by local food company Arla. The new ground will represent a fresh start for Leeds, who would be debt-free and a stronger position to attract investors. The ground would be sited alongside a major retail park off the M621. Sponsorship rights would see Arla fork-out £6m for a 56-year naming deal, all of which would be channelled into squad strengthening. Associate Press understands that Bates is a key figure in the BVI firm Teak Trading who last week bought Elland Road for £8m. It is thought Bates has already held preliminary talks with supermarked giant Tesco and property firm Crest in an effort to strike a deal. _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist 'I am in shock,' said Ferguson.
