Interesting comments on a variety of threads covering the 100 year anniversary and, indeed, AR and the future of Leeds United.
Running a football club is a bit like running a care home, you have to find the balance between looking after your audience and making a profit. Sadly in the Care industry, those who get it right are few and far between with far more repercussions than we'd ever see in the football business.
AR has made some serious gaffes but generally been man enough to hold his hands up on a few occasions. However, show me a club that hasn't got it wrong in recent times either on or off the field. The euphoria of OGS's return to that club across the border was short-lived....... Manchester City aren't strolling through the Premier League with their usual efficiency..... Bury, Bolton Wanderes are examples of getting it completely wrong.
It's fair to say that AR & Co are an improvement on recent Leeds United administrations. It's not perfect but they are on a steep learning curve. Modern day media coverage ensures that every decision is magnified and given the longstanding frustrations of Leeds United fans, every decision is going to be hotly debated and/or derided each and every time.
After all is said its a business for the ownership but for the fans it's a calling, an emotional attachment.
The centenary celebrations are something of a poisoned chalice. A once in a lifetime occasion. The club's agenda was always going to split the fan base. They are here to make money but being greedy will alienate the supporters. There aren't that many precedents to call upon, less so when you consider the unique following of our club.
As others have said, the acid test is whether the events are attended and/or the anniversary-related products are bought. Those who have bought and then put them on eBay at increased prices should be named and shamed as rank opportunists in my opinion.
My personal opinion is that the club has underestimated the demand in certain areas and been a little too expensive in others. It was never going to be perfect and at least they've done something.
What really counts is our performance on the pitch. You couldn't get a more fitting gift to celebrate 100 years than promotion.
We have more stability now than we've had for a while. We have a head coach revered in the game that has noticeably improved players. Contentious point but recruitment is better too (we could have benefitted from a few more players....).
Recent results demonstrate that there is plenty of room for improvement though but I worry that we lack that cutting edge and creativity to truly compete and succeed at this level.
What is certain is that the club as a whole is on the right trajectory. We are attracting plenty of interest as the last golden opportunity in English football. This is where AR will be truly judged on his Leeds United career.
Despite the centenary noise Leeds United does not take advantage of commercial opportunities and this has ramifications across the whole club. Revenue is key to building on and off the pitch. We've missed a trick for a many a year.
Investment is required too. Difficult decision to determine when to take further investment on board. Now and give current momentum a little more of a push or wait until we've achieved promotion. Fortunately it's not my call but whichever way he goes, opinions will be divided.
On reflection AR has generally made a positive contribution to our club. We are better placed now than we were before he took over. He's done a reasonable job but still yet more room for improvement.
A Leeds United fan for 52 years now, I hope to see our return to top of the football summit in the next few years. It's been a privilege to follow Leeds United, there ain't any other club like it.
Getting it right?
posted on 18/10/19
comment by NJS (U8272)
posted 11 hours, 39 minutes ago
Excellent article, well written Steve, lots of good
sentiment and thought gone into that article.
5 stars!
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Thank you
posted on 18/10/19
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 11 hours, 5 minutes ago
You're combining 2 specific issues here, the centenary celebrations and assessment of AR in general.
The Centenary should be a chance to reflect on our heritage, look forward to the future and recognise all involved, staff, players, fans and community.
I would have expected some great offers for ST holders, so memorable merchandise, some relevant friendlies, some meeting player events.
We've kind of had that, but not in way I was hoping.
We've been given chance to buy some more expensive stones, we've had numerous different kits unveiled, events to meet players but at very high prices....the whole theme that runs through this is really milking the fan base and putting a lot of stuff beyond their financial reach. Great for corporate sponsors, but not for the majority of fans.
The Centenary shirt is a great example. Many were waiting for it after the too radical departure of the pink kit. The Centenary shirt has again missed the spot in a lot of people's eyes, which again raises the question of how in tune with the fans the club really is. Change that shirt to have gold LUFC script and everything changes. But, by producing such limited numbers, it's not for most fans, its just for corporates and the reaction online and the stupid bids on Ebay of 60k for a shirt show how a lot of fans feel about this.
Have just heard this morning about AR yesterday and how a lot of people were not happy about him getting his name on plaque, calling it 'my club', including Eleven Sports in the dream picture of Leeds players, and then stopping every attendee for picture with centenary shirt.
AR has repeatedly been asked about whether 11 sports are paying anything for the fact that their name is all over internal backboard for press, but he refuses to answer.
The sentiment towards AR is shifting, and people who deal with him do not trust him.
The conversation also covered AR's interview with Times and AR's refusal to give anyone else any time regarding questions on his quotes, specifically that the salary bill was now 40 mill (not costs, but salary bill).
I was positive about AR when he took over but there were questions then, but a hell of a lot more questions now about what is going on and you could write an article about him, remove his name and be forgiven for thinking it was an article about publicity Pete.
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I take on board your comments but this club is still progressing.....
posted on 18/10/19
comment by Shaun M - I can't see me loving nobody but Leeds! (U9955)
posted 5 hours, 45 minutes ago
comment by The Donn (U15142)
posted 5 minutes ago
Elsbels my thoughts exactly .The broblem is Bates and Cellino were honest about being crooked made no secret about it but Radrizzani is crooked about being honest sneaky is the word I'd use.Where is the 25plus million he got for all those players he sold.
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Felt like he pocketed the money just before he sells up bext season. Could have brought another few players in with the money made from sold players. If we aint careful, we'll lose Clarke and Nketiah like we did with Saiz and Baker last season, and Ben White is the new Bartley. I wanna like Radz, and I do to an extent, but this chancer approach isn't working, the honeymoon is over, we're 5th when we should be miles out in front, we need to get promoted this season.
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Do we not think some of the responsibility of our league position rests with Bielsa and the players?
posted on 18/10/19
comment by The Spanish Italians (U21595)
posted 5 hours, 11 minutes ago
Good article Stevie.... 5 stars from me
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Thank you!
posted on 18/10/19
comment by Kebablegs (U17699)
posted 3 hours, 49 minutes ago
5 from me
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Cheers!!
posted on 18/10/19
comment by Stoopo (U4707)
posted 3 hours, 12 minutes ago
...and from me!
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posted on 18/10/19
Enjoyed that and all the other constructive comments, a worthy 5
posted on 18/10/19
good article stevie, i feel basically the same in regards to ar. it's definitely not an easy task to run a football team and ill always be thankful he brought us bielsa.
since our demotion i honestly didn't think that much about promotion because the clowns in charge didn't seem to want to go up.
i now have faith we can get promoted but more important to me personally is we are playing good football. ( a few more goals would help though )
posted on 19/10/19
comment by Highlandwhite... Come Onnnnnnnn Leeeeeeeeeeds!!! (U2867)
posted 10 hours, 20 minutes ago
Enjoyed that and all the other constructive comments, a worthy 5
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posted on 19/10/19
comment by montleeds (U18330)
posted 7 hours, 47 minutes ago
good article stevie, i feel basically the same in regards to ar. it's definitely not an easy task to run a football team and ill always be thankful he brought us bielsa.
since our demotion i honestly didn't think that much about promotion because the clowns in charge didn't seem to want to go up.
i now have faith we can get promoted but more important to me personally is we are playing good football. ( a few more goals would help though )
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I'm certain Bates didn't want promotion, just wanted a cash cow and Leeds United was perfect for him. Despite the criticism, and much warranted, Cellino was intent on balancing the books. GFH were clueless, another embarrassment for the club.