Ny oppdatering fra LUST.
Takeover Statement: Trust update
DateMonday, May 28, 2012 at 10:38PM
In response to the questions that have come our way in increasing numbers over the last few days, Leeds United Supporters' Trust can confirm that we are aware of firm interest from a number of parties looking to buy Leeds United. In common with Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post's comments on Twitter, we understand that Leeds United are in talks with at least two separate groups. We also understand there is one firm bid on the table at present.
In February we responded to Ken Bates' suggestion that we "put our money where our mouth is," by asking any potential investors, who shared the aims and ambitions of our members and of our Vision Statement, to contact the Trust with a view to working together to take Mr Bates up on his offer. We developed a presentation so interested parties could see how working with L.U.S.T. could help them, and have been in contact with a number of people to explore ways of bringing about change for the better at Elland Road. As part of this ongoing work, we have spoken to two groups who are interested in buying Leeds United. At this stage it is not possible for us to go into details about our conversations with these groups, as with a firm offer on the table we would not want to jeopardise any current negotiations.
Leeds United Supporters' Trust would welcome any move that helped the club to fulfil the aims of our Vision Statement, and our members increasingly tell us that they feel a change of ownership would be the best route towards positive change at Leeds United. On Friday we invited our members and Leeds fans everywhere to let us know their thoughts about the summer so far, and we received hundreds of emails in response. The clear and resounding message from our members was that they have completely lost faith in the current Leeds United board's ability to deliver a successful football club. Following the failure to meet Neil Warnock's target of signing a new group of players before his holiday deadline, and Robert Snodgrass' comments about past promises not being met; and after last season which saw players sold, failure on the pitch, and the season ticket income used to finance corporate facilities rather than new players; our members firmly believe that new owners and a new board are required at Leeds United to match the ambition of the fans, the players and the manager.
We are sure that the news of discussions around the sale of the club will be warmly welcomed by our members, and make disaffected supporters feel more optimistic about the future. L.U.S.T. would like to stress to all of the parties interested in buying Leeds United that building a good relationship with the supporters must be one of their first priorities. As the representatives of a group of more than 5,000 Leeds fans, and as a Supporters' Trust affiliated with Supporters Direct, we we will always welcome conversation with any potential new owner about how we can work together to achieve the aims of our Vision Statement.
We would also encourage L.U.S.T. members to keep sending their views to us, either by email to chairman@lufctrust.org, or via our blog, Facebook, or Twitter. L.U.S.T. is here to represent the views of Leeds fans, and we want to hear your thoughts and opinions on the news of takeover discussions at Elland Road.
If you’re not yet a member, you can join more than 5,000 other Leeds fans and have their voice heard as members of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust by filling in the form at
www.lufctrust.org. Membership is free. Keep checking for updates on
www.lufctrust.org, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
