Leeds United ‘on collision course for disaster’ after what Marathe has done
Leeds United’s ownership has come under the spotlight recently after their promotion to the Premier League.
So far, the 49ers have overseen a success stewardship at Elland Road.
Since taking over two years ago, they have pushed for the club to return to the top flight and this was achieved last month.
However, there have been controversial moments. Daniel Farke was rumoured to be set for the sack by Leeds despite their promotion. However, these claims have since been rebuffed.
Yet, there are claims that the worst is yet to come for Leeds fans as the 49ers are set to add Scottish side Rangers to their portfolio.
49ers’ ownership of Leeds United and Rangers ‘will not work’
The 49ers have been in talks to takeover Rangers for some time. Now, it is believed that the deal is just weeks away from completion.
This would leave Leeds under a multiple-club ownership which has had many successes and failures in the past.
Manchester City and Chelsea are the most well-known systems. However, clubs such as Charlton Athletic and Reading have previously had struggles under this style.
| Leeds United’s finishes under the 49ers |
| Championship – 3rd (play-off final losers) |
| Championship – 1st |
Now, journalist Phil Thomas, writing for the Sun on Sunday print edition (4 May, Goals pull-out, page 7), has warned Leeds fans about the potential disaster the upcoming Rangers takeover could pose on their club.
He claims that the 49ers’ ownership of both sides would be a “recipe for disaster” given the size and entitlement of the fanbase.
Thomas argues that Leeds and Rangers will demand big transfer budgets to push their sides to the next level, with fears that one could become a feeder club for the other.
Questions have continued to remain unanswered on how Paraag Marathe will spilt his attention between the two clubs and his commitments to the 49ers which is no doubt a massive cause for concern.
Marathe must answer questions surrounding Leeds United’s future
It is no secret that Rangers are a massive force in British football, and the 49ers’s ownership of the club will be considered a coup.
However, when the deal is done, Marathe must explain how he will manage both clubs and what the 49ers’ long-term aims are.
To oversee two clubs of this size has rarely been done in the past, with both sets of fanbases likely to dream of domestic success as well as European football.
A plan is likely already in place for how both sides will be managed but Marathe must be clear with supporters and answer these unsolved questions as soon as possible.