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Phil Hay: Australia was financial draw for Leeds United but unlikely to happen again
Phil Hay has shared that Leeds United may have been left unhappy with their pre-season trip to Australia, with another trip their next year now unlikely.
The Athletic journalist reports that clubs were left dissatisfied with the quality of facilities on offer, with a trip to the United States now much more likely.
It is said to make perfect sense given the American shareholders now involved at Elland Road, with more presence from across the Atlantic in the boardroom.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Phil Hay Show podcast, the journalist shared what will make sense in the future after the last pre-season left some disgruntled.
“They haven’t been to the States yet, it makes sense for them to go to the States with the American shareholders that they have,” he said.
“With hindsight looking back to the Australia tour in the summer, financially Australia is a draw, but virtually every club that went there seemed fairly dissatisfied with either the quality of the training facilities or the playing pitch.
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“So, I don’t see any way Leeds go back to Australia next summer.”
Perfect.
Looking at the clips throughout pre-season, it may have looked rosy, but you could tell that the facilities were not great when the likes of Leeds were not training at the stadiums.
It looked semi-professional level outside of that, something that certainly would not happen in America.
Even without the shareholders and the 49ers Enterprises on board, the fact that Jesse Marsch along with Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams are in the squad is enough to go across the Atlantic.
Leeds are consistently moved to prime time on television in America now, and the audience and fan base are growing massively, something that will open financial opportunities too.
Andrea Radrizzani has been popping up in San Francisco now along with Paraag Marathe so it is definitely possible, whether it is during the World Cup break or the next pre-season.
Of course, more details will come to light soon but this is certainly on the cards sooner rather than later.
In other Leeds United news, this player could be first in the Elland Road boardroom as new contract talks may take centre stage