Chairman Bates Press Conference

By Andy Baggott
January 27 2005

Ken Bates held his first press conference today, and pulled no punches with visiting journalists. Speaking from Elland Road Bates said the debts were far from the level that people speculated on.

Main points were that the financial side of things wouldn't be discussed, he would keep that in house.

The current directors had agreed to leave £4.4 million og unsecured loans in the club for 4 years.

Two directors had severance packages if ousted - they tore those up.

We have had approaches from teams for 2 of our youngsters - both rejected.

We wouldn't sell anyone without Blackwells say so.

Blackwell would be staying, Bates is very impressed with him.

No truth in the Dennis Wise link at all.

Looking at buying TA and Er at some point.

Selling the ground and name 'Leeds Utd' to the fans, then leasing them back over 199 years. This would stop property developers and vultures trying to pick us up on the cheap.

Bates managed to offend half the people in the room. He made it clear he doesn't suffer fools, and is a VERY strong character - just what we need....