49ers must open more opportunities for Leeds United Women after Elland Road success
Leeds United Women must be given more opportunities to play at Elland Road after almost 5,000 fans watched their 3-0 win over York City.
United Women posted on X (17 November) that 4,801 supporters were in attendance as Amy Woodruff, Drew Greene and Darcie Greene all scored in a comfortable victory for the Whites.
With the lower tier of Elland Road’s east stand opened to watch the Women’s first game of the season played at the club’s traditional home, it’s clear that an appetite exists for more opportunities.
Plans to redevelop Elland Road have already been made clear, and with the Women’s side fighting for promotion to the National League North, the 49ers Enterprises have it in their power to make it happen.
Leeds United can return to the top table of Women’s football
Much like the men’s side in their decade-and-a-half in the doldrums following relegation from the Premier League, United’s Women have been through the wringer in recent years.
Ken Bates withdrawing funding from the Ladies’ team and forcing them out of Thorp Arch was the first in a series of decisions which eventually led to the two parties cutting ties altogether.
Years in the wilderness saw the club itself renamed to Leeds Carnegie Ladies and then simply ‘Leeds Ladies’ in 2014 after Massimo Cellino withdrew their permission to use the club’s name and branding.
One of Andrea Radrizzani’s first acts as the new owner and chairman in 2017 was to bring Leeds Ladies back into the fold, returning to their former alias to retake their place as a key part of the club.
The 49ers have continued this progress since taking charge at Elland Road, and with the crowds for Women’s football in LS11 continuing to grow, the onus is now on United’s owners to help them back to the top.
In other Leeds news, United fans will be seething after what former director of football Victor Orta said about one transfer.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.