The silence at Leeds is currently deafening. When new owners, GFH Capital, came in last December, they promised Leeds fans transparency as they tried to re-engage with a disillusioned fanbase that had suffered eight years at the hands of Ken Bates. At first signs were good, the club set up a Twitter page and were happy to interact with fans, this was a small change which made a big difference, as the fans felt that they were now part of the club as opposed to cash-cows being bled dry for a Ken Bates vanity project. Not only that, but they introduced 'fan days' where tickets were reduced, again, hardly innovative, but the three games this was introduced for drew in some of the biggest crowds of the season.
However, things have gone quiet and the comparisons with the turbulence from summer last year can be drawn with ease. Firstly, a new signing early on in the transfer window, last season it was highly rated defender Jason Pearce from Portsmouth; this season, up and coming striker Matt Smith came on a free from Oldham Athletic. However, this early optimism has been replaced with unrest as the fans are plunged into another news vacuum and with no new signings on the horizon, this discontent can only increase. Initially, GFH said they were pursuing a line of “strengthening in the summer”, however with Brian McDermott having lined up the targets he has wanted, the money has not been forthcoming.
At boardroom level, confusion is rife, David Haigh, one of the directors is currently in the East Asian country of Bhutan, the purpose of which is currently unclear. Salem Patel, once a vociferous presence on twitter, has gone quiet and the rumours are that he's on trial in Bahrain for fraud. Salah Nooruddin, whose company acquired a 10% stake in the company, tried to use his influence at the club to get a place for a friend's son in the academy. Finally, the last director, Hishram Alrayes has been completely silent and has not been available for interview.
With no more signings through the door yet, a bid for the club by local businessman Steve Parkin still on the table, and the future Chairman of the club yet to be disclosed, it is sure to be another bumpy ride for Leeds fans this summer.
However, things have gone quiet and the comparisons with the turbulence from summer last year can be drawn with ease. Firstly, a new signing early on in the transfer window, last season it was highly rated defender Jason Pearce from Portsmouth; this season, up and coming striker Matt Smith came on a free from Oldham Athletic. However, this early optimism has been replaced with unrest as the fans are plunged into another news vacuum and with no new signings on the horizon, this discontent can only increase. Initially, GFH said they were pursuing a line of “strengthening in the summer”, however with Brian McDermott having lined up the targets he has wanted, the money has not been forthcoming.
At boardroom level, confusion is rife, David Haigh, one of the directors is currently in the East Asian country of Bhutan, the purpose of which is currently unclear. Salem Patel, once a vociferous presence on twitter, has gone quiet and the rumours are that he's on trial in Bahrain for fraud. Salah Nooruddin, whose company acquired a 10% stake in the company, tried to use his influence at the club to get a place for a friend's son in the academy. Finally, the last director, Hishram Alrayes has been completely silent and has not been available for interview.
With no more signings through the door yet, a bid for the club by local businessman Steve Parkin still on the table, and the future Chairman of the club yet to be disclosed, it is sure to be another bumpy ride for Leeds fans this summer.