‘Global powerhouse’ – Paul Robinson claims ‘sleeping giant’ has woken as Leeds confirm £26m windfall
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United
Paul Robinson has said that Leeds United are a “global powerhouse” as they confirmed an unexpected £26m windfall ahead of the summer transfer window.
First, it was revealed that they had been picked for almost as many ‘pay’ TV matches this season as Liverpool and Man City.
Leeds have been put in the main broadcast slots 24 times, compared to 25 times for Man City and 26 for Liverpool.
Talking on the Phil Hay Show podcast, Leeds chief Angus Kinnear said they had only budgeted for 17 games.
It means a huge windfall of £10-£12m ahead of the summer transfer window.
It’s been a very good season for Leeds United on the pitch as well as the club also guaranteed a top-half league finish last night, worth another £14m from the budgeted position of 17th.
It means Leeds have an extra £26m to spend ahead of the next transfer window.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said of the TV revelation and league finish bonus, “It says a lot about how big a global powerhouse they are and the support they’ve got, the size of the club it is.
“The phrase sleeping giant is used way too much in football but for Leeds it’s the perfect fit.
“When they were in the Championship and League One they were a sleeping giant. They’ve shown people now the size of the club they are.
“They’re going to increase the size of the stadium. It holds around 37,000 at the moment, they could fill that twice every week.
“Fans haven’t seen Premier League football for so long and some are going to get the chance on Sunday. Imagine next season when Elland Road will be full.
“Those stats about TV games show just how big Leeds are and I would love to be the commercial director at the moment – it must be the easiest job in the world doing that job at the moment, selling sponsorship for that club.”
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