Liberated from the maniacal clutches of Ken Bates, Leeds United AFC, one of the best supported football clubs in Europe, now can safely begin its climb back to where it belongs — near the top of the England’s top flight league. In Brian McDermott, the Whites have a manager that will guide them back to the Premier League if given time to do the job.
During Bates long and controversial tenure at the club, Leeds consistently sold its best players yet continued to regularly increase ticket prices to a level unseen in the history of the Football League. He refused to talk face-to-face with the Supporters Trust and often took to insulting those who cared deeply about the club.
Bates’ tenure was also characterized by megalomania. Under his stewardship, Leeds United failed to buy back its Thorp Arch training ground or Elland Road despite finding the capital to begin and maintain a radio station widely known for its propaganda about the club. When Bates bought the club in 2005 (though claiming at the time he had no ownership interest and just was serving as an executive for the owners), he promised to quickly buy back both the ground and training facilities. Often Bates used this radio station and his favorite tool, his column in the Leeds United official match programme, to attack journalists and enemies on the board.
The megalomania of Bates dominated every single thing Leeds United did. When he was finally run from the club, supporters celebrated in the streets and the pubs of West Yorkshire as if Leeds had won a major trophy. It was a time for celebration after finally enjoying liberation.
With that era now firmly behind the Yorkshire club, McDermott can focus on football. The manager’s Reading teams traditionally started slowly and then picked up in November and December. In the 2010-11 season, Reading was closer to the relegation places than playoff spots as November began. Yet McDermott’s side ended the season at Wembley in a playoff final against Swansea. The Swans won on that occasion keeping Reading in the Championship another year, but when the Royals were struggling in November talk began to surface of potentially sacking McDermott. What ensued was a record run to get Reading not only to the Premier League, but as Champions of the second flight.
McDermott inherited a Leeds side that was cobbled together under previous managers due to the severe financial restrictions Bates put on the club. But currently sitting just six points out of a promotion playoff spot, McDermott’s side is well positioned for the usual late run that his clubs enjoy.
Keep an eye on Leeds United as they surely climb the table back towards their rightful place near the top of English football.
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Kevan
October 31, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Promotion push? We’re 6 points off the playoffs and playing far too erratically for me to get excited about promotion. If we’re in the top 6 come March or April, then I’ll start thinking about the Premier League again.
Just because McDermott got Reading up doesn’t mean he can do it with us. Promotion-specialist Warnock failed, after all. You need consistency and a lot of luck if you start slow, and even if you make the playoffs, as a Leeds fan I’ve experienced several playoff final failures. They suck. Going up the promotion route is much simpler.
Clive
October 31, 2013 at 6:55 pm
I don’t think I’ll get banned from there, there’s still a degree of professionalism even though they employ Phil Hay.
Clive
October 31, 2013 at 5:23 pm
I see my friends on JA have spotted me on here.
Thanks for the support LIW, but I’ve noticed you’ve followed Meme to not606, you didn’t do that for me!
Both websites ignore my emails, it looks like I’m done with them both. Both bans came without warning and for entirely the wrong reasons. Don’t believe the mods when they say bans don’t sit well with them, they sit very well with them or they wouldn’t do it.
They’ve sided with the abusive mob and that’s that, they won’t go back now.
McDermott must be worse than Grayson when his critics have to be silenced permanently.
If anyone wants to debate with me you can find me on the YEP getting thumbs down left, right and centre haha.
Caesars
October 31, 2013 at 12:07 pm
I think this squad we have at the moment will end up some way off the playoffs . We need a left winger and probably cover for both wings as well incase of injury or suspension. We might of missed the chance to get promotion this season.
Clive
October 31, 2013 at 11:25 am
You talk about propaganda from Bates but what’s this?
I don’t remember that open top bus parade with Ken Bates’ head being carried around on a stick.
You’re basically saying that we’re going to go up because Bates has gone and McDermott got Reading up.
You’re ignoring that transfers, tactics, team selection, results and performances have been rotten.
Smokey Bacon
October 31, 2013 at 11:07 am
Rubbish. Out ATM is going nowhere 🙂