GFH Must Stay... For Now

24/7/2013

By Steve Barras

Obviously this is a follow-on to a piece on this site earlier today from another writer, he was venting his opinion on the current situation at Leeds and has been widely criticised for it, now whilst the Winston Churchill comment did make me chuckle I think berating someone for his opinion is wrong, why not write your own opinion down and send it to us, after all this is a site by fans, for the fans.

Everybody has and is entitled to their own opinions, whether it be that Ken Bates was our saviour or he was a stain on our impeccably white shirts. Whether it be that GFH are the Arabic version of the bearded one or that they are doing what they said they were going to do and that is to create a successful but sustainable Leeds United.

I believe that GFH are certainly not an Arabian nightmare but are here to do for the city of Leeds what Bates failed to do during his tenure, namely a return to the Premier League. However this is not going to happen overnight, they are not Sheik Mansour or Roman ‘I love Chelsea but have never heard of them before now’ Abramovich, they have not got a bottomless pit from which they can pluck millions upon millions of pounds from, they are a business which does not want to lose money and can you blame them? Just a quick glance at our not so distant past and it becomes clear how far a club can fall with some bad financial management. In such a short space of time, footballing wise, we have gone from elite contenders to big fish in a small pond. We are commonly referred to as THE sleeping giant in English football, something which our new MD uses in his infrequent media appearances, the latest being in The Sun/Son.

Why are we in the land of nod? Because of Leeds United’s biggest fan Peter Ridsdale.

So I ask again, can you really blame GFH for being careful with their finances? If you do blame them then you have really short memories. To coin a term often used, Rome wasn’t built in a day and returning Leeds to the Premier League is a bigger task than creating one of the world’s greatest cities so I think, and remember this is only my opinion, that we should get off their backs for a bit. They are doing their best in such difficult circumstances.

Does anybody think that Master Bates left Elland Road fully functioning? Obviously not, the eight figure sum that was reportedly pumped into the club when GFH took over has been used to repair the broken bones of our club, that is why we have only seen three additions to the squad.

“Wait! Only three additions? Oh no we are going to get relegated now!”...... Excuse me? Am I hearing that right? We are going to get relegated because we have made three good additions to a squad that is already a mid-table candidate?

Come on, we are looking at a flirtation with the Play-Off’s at the minute, nothing more, nothing less and that is a damn sight better than a Bates-led, Byram-less season that we would have had otherwise.

The simple fact of the matter is that we need to offload the players that are eating into our wage budget, the inadequate players such as Michael Brown and Danny Pugh but until we do that I’m afraid the teamsheet on the 3rd August will look similar to the ones against Walsall and Stevenage unless Brian turns to our ‘mediocre’ youth system. The youth internationals could never oust Michael Tonge from his spot on the teamsheet, in case you don’t know we have seven youth players who have represented their countries at youth levels (Chris Dawson, 18 years old, Wales. Eric Grimes, 18 years old, Eire. Charlie Taylor, 19 years old, England. Dan Atkinson, 17 years old, England. Tyler Denton, 17 years old, England. Eoghan Stokes, 17 years old, Eire and Lewis Cook, 16 years old, England.) I am confident that Brian will use a handful of our very own academy products in the first team this year, Dominic Poleon, Chris Dawson, Zac Thompson and Ross Killock are who I think can and will take the step this season.

To conclude I would ask you to read the title/headline of this article again.

Marching on TOGETHER!

30 Comments

Jack

24/7/2013 05:57:33 am

Well said mate totally agree, give them the two years they outlined and then judge.

Rob Atkinson

24/7/2013 06:06:37 am

One article says they must go, another says they must stay. There's nowt like reflecting all shades of public opinion!

I'm even now working on an article advocating a trial separation with GFH, Leeds to keep custody of all their money (that'll be nearly fifty quid into the high interest account then).

Watch this space!!

Paul1919

24/7/2013 06:11:47 am

I like this article but you have to understand your writing partner Rob is the type of fan we as general fans are sick of. His article was poor & then had the nerve to put keep the faith at the end. I expected his type of article to be written by that winehouse kid who writes letters to gfh asking for this n that. Your writer has to accept the criticism if he puts up articles like that esp on this site where the writing is generally good bordering on excellent at times

Luke

24/7/2013 06:12:29 am

Your mate deserved them comments tbf, his article was a farse

Proud White

24/7/2013 06:29:30 am

I for one was not berating Rab. His article was good insofar that it initiated a debate, and that debate has revealed, that for the majority of the fans who visit this webpage GFH need to be given a chance. Debate is healthy and even though I do not agree with Rab, at least he stuck his head above the parapet.

JDC

24/7/2013 06:32:53 am

Better Steve ... however, your sidekick / co-writer needs to be kept on a tighter leash or be put out to grass.

Martin1961

24/7/2013 06:33:09 am

At last a article I can not berate 100% spot on.

Your analysis on GFH is spot on.
Your perception on bringing in the talented youngsters is spot on.
Your outlook on shifting old stock, before we can restock, spot on.

The title of your article GFH Must Stay... For Now

If I am not mistaken the emphasis is on the words For Now

At last a positive piece, yet with a hint of caution.
If you look at the name of the person who wrote this article "Steve Barras" its a anagram of Winston Churchill, grant you, you have to take out a few letters then add some different ones but eventually you will come up with Winston Churchill.
Steve my boy, you have saved me the hassle of learning fuckin German.
Good on you Steve or is it Winston

Dan

24/7/2013 06:34:35 am

I understand this is a site by the fans for the fans but the two conflicting articles today have been ridiculous. I agree with this one more cos im patient with ghf but guys. Sack the other guy!

Helen

24/7/2013 06:35:24 am

You needed this write up after that shambles earlier!

Ady

24/7/2013 06:38:02 am

This will cheer you up you confused intellectuals ! Goalie kenny left back thompson cb mills cb lees r back warnock central midfield Austin cm murphy wing back free roam offensive pacy position bryam wbfropp white striker varney striker (McCormack, hunt, diouf or smith) whoever you need? Playing progressive passing possession football with 35,000 mad Leeds fans screaming for passion , hope and love won't hurt will it? And BMW ! (Brian McDermott winner) MOT

LincolnshireWhite link

24/7/2013 06:45:34 am

There's a lot of sense in this article, and I can go along with the comments about supporting GFH, and the need to stabilise the financial position. BUT.. unless there have been secret talks between David Haigh and BMD about the substantial amounts of money which will be available next year for quality players, then the 2 year target for promotion is unbelievably stupid. It just puts totally unnecessary pressure on a man who has a lot of fan and player support, and is certainly the best manager we have had for a long time.

jack jenkinson

24/7/2013 07:09:27 am

why cant they just come clean and stop treating us like noel hunts

Mike N

24/7/2013 07:11:38 am

One other thing to remember is the mortgage over future receipts that was taken out by the previous owner. The club will be a couple of years paying that off. Coupled with the financial fair play regulations and we're stymied for the moment. Only extra income (Red Bull anyone?) can change the situation.

jimat37

24/7/2013 07:15:44 am

Absolute PR tosh, give a company time because they bought us and have no money, yet at sometime in the future want to walk off with as much loot as they can ? GFH only bought to make money year on year, let Parkin or others be the owner, same no money stance perhaps but less spin and we won't be having as much money sucked from the team if we ever make the prem.
Patience for GFH by backing with our money so hopefully they can maximise their profit on exit absolute joke, these are the same firm that while others in Dubai typically charge 10% fees usually charge more like 30% (check the financial records).
GFH get money or go and let in someone who the best interests of the club run it.

StevieDee

24/7/2013 07:38:29 am

I'd like to be a billionaire next year. Bold statement that becomes hollow when there is little in terms of plans to support it. GFH wants promotion, they have talked of investment but generally any external investment has simply eroded their own financial liabilities in the club.

During the last transfer window our new owners told us it wasn't the right time to do deals intimating that they would be active in the Summer. It's clear that McDermott was also misled over available funds. Hardly building trust.

We've seen further funds ploughed in "to help with running costs" as well as further loans being added to the debt that Bates left. Not a pretty picture really and an embarrassment to GFH who took an eternity to buy the club and then told us that they had the funds to take the club forward.

After Bates we were always going to be more cynical and GFH has done nothing of note to suggest that Leeds United is in safe hands.

bobdav

24/7/2013 07:38:32 am

2 years me hole. We are mid table at best at the moment. Unless GFH can drastically pull 10 million quid out their arse pocket over the course of the next two transfer windows we are going nowhere. We have been spending about the same as a top half of league 2 team for last 6 maybe 7 seasons. Im afraid that hasnt changed under GFH. Leeds United needs a consortium with serious cash, maybe then we can start talking about prem in 2 years. Sick of listening to shite about sustainable future, a club of our size shouldnt have to be worrying about something like that. Still ill be bitin my nails cheerin the lads on next season as always. MOT

Stephen Forbes

24/7/2013 07:42:45 am

This article goes someway to appeasing the overwhelming backlash you received today, and I hope this well go some way to producing more optimistic writing such as this piece in the future.

LUFC - Leeds Up For Challenge

Caseyrybac

24/7/2013 07:50:28 am

As i also said in the last post, rome wasn't built in a day, that's more like it, give them a chance, its the least they deserve after getting that scumbag bates out, no more dome and gloom posts please, at least not before the season starts, we are leeds and we are on our way back, keep the faith. M.O.T.

24/7/2013 08:31:12 am

That team Ady put up will be bottom by Christmas and the crowds will be 15,000

John

24/7/2013 08:43:56 am

GFH were invited in by Ken Bates. Why? Because he pulls their strings. He's still there.

Freddy2 link

24/7/2013 09:37:01 am

Two more years(sigh)! More jam tomorrow! It's no different to 'Premier League prices for Premier League football'. Are GFHC really going to take so long in acheiving the top division? To be direct, most fans must be sorely p--d off with the paupers and crooks running the club and are desparately in need of success. If BMD doesn't hit the ground running I can see us below 20k at ER in no time at all. Viva Red Bull, or anyone with some serious money!

Van White

24/7/2013 01:25:08 pm

How opinions differ? Though it does sum up the fan base at the minute. I agree that the signings so far will make us significantly stronger, though I share to a certain extent the worry of GFH's failed promises but more worried about Brian McDermott who could well be an un diagnosed manic depressive. It's clear for all to see that the man would be a liability in a high stakes poker game but it is worrying as the season is yet to start. David Haigh sees Leeds in the PL; how he expects this with the financial restraints placed on the manager i will never know?

Keith link

24/7/2013 02:06:56 pm

I sat ans read this article and thought to myself at last some common sense. I then read the replies as always and was thinking I agree with everything they are saying.
Then I read jimat37 reply. Jimat37 what planet are you from. Ken Bates did a lot of damage to our club and I'm surprised the board are looking at a two year time frame for return to premiership, I believe we have money but the board is being sensible.(you don't have to look to far back to see what happens when a board bets on future revenues) or did you miss this part of our history ?
GFH are running the club as a business, something that should have happened during Ridsdales tenure. GFH are rebuilding the club from scratch in an era when big money talks, but you need solid foundations not something built on hopes and dreams.
Many Leeds fans gaze at the premiership through rosé tinted glasses, I read comments like we're a bigger club than them, then only get 15 thousand at home games, blah blah blah. The difference between them and us is these so called smaller clubs cut their cloth to suit there pockets. When was the last time Norwich or West brom paid 30 million for a player? Or even 10 MIllion for a player ? and yet I read continuously we should buy quality, well quality costs and the money must be earnt before can be spent, is it not the same in life. You spend and spend on a credit card, sooner or later you have to pay it back, football is no different.
So give GFH a chance and let's see what happens and before you ask what do I know about the mighty whites, I saw my first Leeds game in 1968. From 1978 until 1996 I was a season ticket holder in west and then north stands. I get up at 2am in NZ to watch Leeds games live.

24/7/2013 06:29:17 pm

Keith
firstly if you have omething to say make your point and let it stand alone.
Secondly a "business" ? What a multitude of rubbish that phrase covers, I know a guy who charges 150 quid for a days house cleaning and pays his cleaners less than minimum wage. Thats run as a business, one which screws the unempowered.
If you mean astutely, then maybe its being run astutely if you have no money and are looking to maximise exit profit while using other peoples (the fans) money.
What planet am I on? Mine. Planet seen it before, planet not easily duped, planet look at the facts not simply say "give em time" or "get behind the lads" (which I always am). GFH's ownwership is equally likely to put off investors, as they want to attract money whilst remaining in total control, how does that wrk. Give us 10 million and we make the decisions as to what is paid to whom, how the accounts are done, who gets a golden share etc.
Finally wheeling in publicity Pete as a example of alternatives or to show the situation GFH arrived with is pointless and in the case of due diligence unnecessary as GFH walked in with eyes open. What leeds fans are looking for is 5 to 10 million for the summer not 1 million, there is a difference between sensible and leech management.
Hey first game 1968 Man city 0 0, something we have in common.

Chip Butty link

24/7/2013 04:58:38 pm

Rob's article has actually galvanised support for Leeds United. The fans have shown that they want to create a positively charged atmosphere at ER. The fans are getting behind the board for the first time in eight years. Rob was right to print his views and I have sympathy with them. But too early for even thinking about GFH being out. Like other commenters have said, they have actually done a lot of very good things and they are working on getting rid of the loan/debt. They will need to think about buying back the ground etc. It will all take time. Bates has made a right mess of the situation and to be fair we need their business skills to get it right! It will take time. I think that 2 years to get back to the Premiership is very optimistic! If GFH have sorted us out financially by then it will be work well done! We just will have to be patient.

Danny

24/7/2013 05:21:55 pm

I agree with these comments, I was never going to judge the new owners until they had a full year in charge, they have a plan and will stick to it, Cardiff City have just reported loses of 84m, the cost to get into the Prem, I dont want that again for Leeds after nearly losing the club i love, if waiting afew more years and doing it right, then i'll take it, i trust the owners and the manager, fans just think because from the Dubia area, pump money stright in, buy every player, a quick fix, doesnt work, many teams in Championship have tried this and we will still be playing them next season, the team, the club are in a much better position then it was with Warnock and Bates, if these fans arent happy with the new owners, just rememeber what Bates and Risdale did for the club, took every penny, showed no passion, Warnock was all about him, the dark cloud over Elland road was suppost to have gone but if the fans contiune to moan and not get behide the team, owners, manager, we are never going to get anywhere, you take the rough with the smooth and we march on together

Jamz

24/7/2013 09:27:35 pm

Something just doesn't add up in terms of GFH's takeover/ownership of Leeds United. First of all Ken Bates said that he would only sell the club to worthy investors that would take the club forward, and that had the necessary knowledge of running a football club in order to achieve this. So why has Bates sold the club to GFHC who have no idea how to run an English Championship club and to add insult to injury then decide to appoint more board members/CEO's to pretty much run the club on their behalf?

I would even go as far to say that upon the sale of Leeds United an agreement was reached with GFHC and Bates that when Leeds finally reached the Premiership the board members such as Salem, Haigh, and Alrayes would receive a percentage in commission. Now knowing Bates as we do, he would want a share of this as well. This could explain why the takeover was taking so long to complete in the summer, and why Bates decided to choose GFH instead of other offers that were on the table.

As an investment bank GFH have the intention of gaining the maximum return in profit as best they can, do you really think they would give a flying f**k who they sold us to when it eventually happens? the answer is no, they are here to make a quick buck from us. The idea that David Haigh expects to see Leeds return to the prem within 2 years is also farcical, he'd have to work all sorts of miracles if he expected that to happen without the availability of any funds being pumped into the squad.

To sum all of this up, ask yourself why GFH would want to buy a club like Leeds United without the necessary funds to take us forward. Especially when they had been in the process of completing due diligence and would have already known prior to the close of sale that they would have to restructure the existing debts with the 'injection of an 8 figure sum'. To me this doesn't add up one bit, the whole thing is just screaming farce, I just hope it doesn't come back to bite us in the arse because there is no way a struggling bank like GFH will continue to fund an asset like Leeds United when the gamble of premiership big bucks is too unrealistic.

Counte Of Monte fisto

24/7/2013 10:56:36 pm

As always the truth is somewhere in the middle.

I think most of us are sick of the constant moaning that goes on & just want to get on with enjoying our football. Honestly how many people have enjoyed going to ER in the last couple of years. The atmosphere is non existent, crowds are dwindling, apathy is rife & the football last year was the worst ever.

So in come GFH & yes they have done many, many good things, reduced prices, improved communication, removed Bates & his cronies from positions of power, sacked Colin.

However they did have nearly a year of due diligence, this is where they pore over everything about the club. Its assets, liabilities, future income prospects, players contracts etc. So it is wrong to suggest that things are worse than they expected they KNEW the position we were in 100%.

So it isn't unreasonable to question the level of investment in the squad, let me be clear I don't want mega bucks thrown around but I do want to see us going forwards & BMcD being supported.

So from me personally I am willing to give GFH time to rebuild our shattered club but I do want to see green shoots on the playing side to maintain that attitude.

Existing players contracts and the scale of the deadwood were known to them they should have accounted for that. £2-3m will transform our prospects & payback in gate receipts so lets see some momentum from them.

Looking forward to this season even as it is, £2-3m and WGUAFC!

Peter McGonzie

25/7/2013 05:57:40 am

My heart goes out to Brian McDermott he's fighting tooth and nail to get the players he wants but without success.

The reason why? Because our old friend Mr. Warnock wasted the money he had in bringing in deadwood who unfortunately cant be shifted (well not yet anyway).

Some of these guys are a liability and not even fit to wear the white shirt. I know Brian McDermott will eventually off-load 'Warnock's Deadwoods' anyway and bring in the players he really wants.

Young hungry players who wont cost the earth, but have the will and the desire to win and always put in 110% regardless.

25/7/2013 08:05:50 am

GFH Must Stay... For Now

By Steve Barras

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