For as long I can remember, there have been desperate pleas
from Leeds fans everywhere aimed at the various owners for more financial
backing to push the team towards the achievable goals of that time. Whether a
push to maintain our position in European football or to get out of the
seemingly bottomless pit that is the Football League, fans everywhere seem to
pin all hopes on financial impetus. It is undeniable that the world of football
is becoming dominated by the rich, leaving the rest of us behind, wondering why
business tycoons are not locked in a bidding war over the rights to Leeds
United. As the prospective Cellino takeover spreads into yet another week, we
at @LUFC_Calypso ask an important question: would Leeds fans accept a
detachment from the history, heritage and values of our club in favour of
success through shady financial injections?
Sheikh Mansour and Roman Abramovich of Manchester City and
Chelsea respectively are just two examples of unhealthily rich,
football-ignorant owners who have taken the helm at two of the world’s biggest
and richest clubs. They have brought undeniable success, but it is irrefutable
that the images of these two powerhouses of Europe have undertaken wholesale
changes, and the clubs we know today are completely distinct from the Chelsea
and Manchester City of old. To those not old enough to experience the
pre-billionaire Chelsea or Manchester City, I’m sure this is of no huge
concern, with the gluttony of the board room resulting in footballing success,
yet it is worth considering those who have supported these clubs in previous
generations. They have seen seasons come and go and ups and downs pass with
ecstasy and despair in equal measure, only for that wealth of heritage to be
completely destroyed in favour of a financial overhaul. It seems that the cost
of success is not merely limited to money.
Analysis of the Manchester City model and adapting it to
Leeds United makes an interesting debate. From Ridsdale to Bates, GFH Capital
to Cellino, Leeds fans have experienced their fair share of agony, purely down
to the financial meltdowns and frugal ownerships of the past. However, it
cannot be forgotten that Leeds United is an English football institution,
possessing a reputation that engenders adoration from its fans and respect from
its enemies. From the golden years of Revie and Bremner to the modern day
bastions of Radebe, Speed and Strachan, Leeds United has an identity that we
would not swap for any amount of money. With that in mind, I am less than
convinced that the fast approaching ‘Cellino years’ will be anything more than
a minor blip in our otherwise illustrious heritage.
Make no mistake; we are keen to see a wealthy owner walk
through the doors of Elland Road. We must be careful what we wish for, however,
and until a sustainable owner is in charge, this farcical takeover
merry-go-round will continue to heap financial peril upon us. The examples set
by Bill Kenwright (Everton) and Dave Whelan (Wigan) prove that it is possible
for those holding the money to gain the respect of those in the dugout, on the
field and in the stands while sticking to a sustainable business model. This is
what we need. It is absolutely imperative that the club identity is not
sacrificed for financial gain. Before we welcome any-old tyrant into our club,
we must consider the consequences it may have on our history. We’re All Leeds
Aren’t We.
What is your view on Cellino? Do you think his takeover will
damage the Leeds United reputation? As always, we welcome your thoughts – tweet
us at @LUFC_Calypso!
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