Phil Hay details Leeds United takeover ‘green light’ as 49ers Enterprises drag out managerial process
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay can see 49ers Enterprises completing their Leeds United takeover “in the next week”.
Andrea Radrizzani is on his way out of Elland Road but the takeover process hasn’t been completely finalised as of yet – and the same goes for Leeds’ manager search.
Writing on Twitter on Friday morning (23 June), Hay addressed a bunch of questions fans had for him on Twitter as people start to get twitchy over the lack of movement on all fronts at Elland Road.
Speaking about the managerial process, Hay wrote: “The thing is, it’s not really [been] anything unusual – it’s just not been in any way rapid either.
“Initial chats/zoom calls followed by face-to-face interviews this week, involving the names who’ve been mentioned. Not a lot to say until we get a decision.
“This is kind of how the 49ers operate – a lot of process. But a call they have to get right this one, no doubt.”
When asked how far away the completion of the takeover is, the former Yorkshire Evening Post reporter said: “Not far away. Can see the green light on the [takeover] coming in the next week.”
Big developments at Elland Road
It’s been all change at Leeds over the last few months and that change will continue to go on into July and August.
Jesse Marsch has gone, Javi Gracia has gone Victor Orta has gone, Andrea Radrizzani is about to go, the Premier League has gone and a bunch of the squad are also about to go.
Inbound, we’ve got Nick Hammond on a short-term basis to help Angus Kinnear and the next manager on the recruitment front and 49ers Enterprises becoming the full owners of the club.
New league, new manager, new director of football, new owners and, likely, a new playing squad.
It’ll be a big shift for Leeds and we hope that this much upheaval doesn’t lead to a protracted bid to return to the Premier League.
Obviously we all want to go straight back up but that’s easier said than done because there are several teams stuck in this league after a few years in the top-flight.
The most important decision is the managerial one and then the playing squad will fall into shape with his help.
Can we trust Hammond to help deliver an instant promotion?
One of the clubs he played a major role at recently, West Brom, are stuck in this division.
In other Leeds United, a BT Sport pundit has delivered an “incredible” verdict as a frontrunner has emerged for the Elland Road hot seat.