Simon Jordan backs Leeds United to mirror Manchester City as Jim White mocks Elland Road stance
Simon Jordan suggests Leeds United have the ability to challenge the Premier League in the coming years if proper governance is introduced.
Speaking on talkSPORT (2 December), the ex-Crystal Palace chairman disagreed with Jim White’s suggestion that the top three or four teams are creating a substantial gap between themselves and the rest of the division.
“Leeds have got the ability to get themselves together, it’s a fascinating league,” Jordan said.
White replied: “I know but Simon, how are they going to get close to top-four, though?”
Jordan: “The same way Manchester City did.
White: “You mention Leeds, they’re on 15 points, they’ve won three out of 14 [Premier League games].”
Jordan: “That’s fine, if the governance of the game steps up, if you control these teams and clubs have to build based upon their turnover, all of a sudden the elite will remain the elite but you’ll give the Aston Villa’s an opportunity, you’ll give the Everton’s with Moshiri’s money an opportunity, you’ll give the Leeds an opportunity.
“This is a fascinating, compelling division.”
Building
Leeds spent a long time out of the top-flight but there is no denying that they are still a massive football club, one of the biggest in England.
The Whites are still way behind the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, on and off the field, but as Jordan alludes to, that can all change very quickly.
Manchester City were a lowly Premier League team who had spent time outside of the top-tier when they were the subject of a huge takeover, firstly by former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2007, before even wealthier investors in the shape of the Abu Dhabi United Group Investment and Development in 2008.
Their owners have changed the fortunes of the club irrevocably.
Leeds currently have Andrea Radrizzani at the helm and he hasn’t been shy in splashing the cash, as he did so before Leeds embarked on their first Premier League campaign under him last year.
With the 49ers group increasing their stake as well, more investment looks to be around the corner for Leeds.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are plotting a January move for this La Liga centre-forward as Marcelo Bielsa ‘Demands’ signing.