Jim White shares ‘Massive’ Leeds United plans after Paraag Marathe updates
Paraag Marathe’s plans to expand Elland Road are “massive” for Leeds United, Jim White has said.
Speaking on talkSPORT with Simon Jordan (24 September, 12:28), White reacted to the announcement on 23 September confirming plans to raise Elland Road’s capacity to 53,000 seats.
Quoting Marathe’s message in the official announcement of the plans, White warned that the Whites need to get things right on the pitch, not just off it.
“Leeds United, off the field of play have massive plans, going from a capacity of 37,645 to 53,000 fans,” he said.
“Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds United and president of the club’s owners the 49ers, says – ‘we recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community. We look forward to sharing our plans with fans and the local community for their input’.
“All seems to be going in the right direction for Leeds, but Leeds now need to go in the right direction.”
Leeds United confirm Elland Road redevelopment plans
While many a fan – particularly those who make up the club’s 26,000-strong season ticket waiting list – will be pleased with the Elland Road expansion plans, others will be sceptical of the timing.
As long as the Whites are a Championship club, boosting Elland Road’s capacity and spending millions on expansion may be a non-starter, due to the lack of revenue streams from being outside the Premier League.
The 49ers came under fire during the summer transfer window for not signing a number 10 [Simon Grayson, 24 September], despite bringing in over £100million in transfer fees for the likes of Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter.
Furthermore, Red Bull buying a stake in the club has also proven to be a controversial investment amongst supporters, leaving many with a question about the 49ers’ intentions at Elland Road.
As is often the case in football though, success on the pitch proves paramount, and if Daniel Farke’s side wins promotion, fans will welcome a return to the Premier League as Elland Road redevelopments get underway.
In other Leeds United news, fans were hearing booing from the away end after a moment of frustration against Cardiff on Saturday.
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