49ers investor Larry Nance Jr shares ‘completely transparent’ update on Leeds United takeover
Larry Nance Jr is one of many investors in the 49ers Enterprises’ takeover of Leeds United, and the NBA basketball player has been fairly open about this on his Twitter account which has over 300,000 followers.
As reported by Mike McGrath of the Telegraph (6 June), Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is set to sell the club to 49ers Enterprises, bringing to an end his six-year spell as owner, and the deal could be completed as soon as Saturday.
The American group already owns 44 per cent of the club but are set to take full control. Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League now means the deal will be completed at a reduced price than the one which was initially agreed.
And one investor in the 49ers, New Orlean’s Pelicans power forward Larry Nance Jr., has been in open dialogue with some Whites fans on Twitter.
“To be completely transparent with you, I have no idea, I’m a small part of a much bigger group, my say, and opinion hold very little weight. Which is probably a good thing to be fair, I’m a bit reactionary,” was Nance Jr.’s response when questioned by a fan on whether all 60 investors stand a fit and proper person test.
Prior to this, Nance Jr. had tweeted, “I’m ready for the ups and downs (hopefully more ups) that come with it. I also think you’ll find I’m a bit more knowledgeable and appreciative of football than what you’ve come across in recent years from US fans.”
Something different
This open dialogue between a potential Leeds part owner and a fan is something very different from what is usually seen in the English game. So often at top clubs communication between owners and fans is limited, and certainly not this transparent.
This will delight fans of the club, who, after a turbulent season that included relegation, will just want some clarity and it seems as if Nance Jr. is trying to provide that clarity as best as he possibly can.
Whether this is the attitude of all reported 60 investors remains to be seen, and will very unlikely be the case, however, if Leeds fans can have some board members on their side, representing their voice and being transparent, that is a positive start.
It will be interesting to see how this takeover impacts the club and what the early intentions of the new American owners will be.
And it shouldn’t be too much longer till those questions are answered.