Birch considers inquiry into ‘inept’ Leeds

LEEDS acting-chairman Trevor Birch yesterday promised to consider an independent inquiry into the running of the club over the last five years.

With John McKenzie stepping down as plc chairman at the annual general meeting at Elland Road, while remaining as a director, Birch has now assumed control and a new job title.

Initially appointed as chief executive, Birch will be in temporary charge until at least January 19, the deadline agreed with creditors while a buyer is sought for the club currently stg£78million in debt.

Birch’s appointment as a director was overwhelmingly agreed by shareholders, who voiced their anger and frustration at how the club had become a financial mess.

One shareholder described the Leeds board, harking back to the era under Peter Ridsdale, as “inept” and “incompetent,” while another claimed they were “the laughing stock of the football world.”

Such accusations prompted a suggestion Leeds should implement an independent inquiry to discover why the club stands on the brink of administration. “Shareholders have a right to be angry,” said Birch, who is the highest-paid director in the history of the club, earning stg£500,000 a year.

“It (the club’s financial record) is difficult to defend as the results speak for themselves. “In terms of an inquiry ... it’s something to look at once Leeds United is safe. For now, we are totally geared towards saving the club.”

Due to Stock Market regulations, Birch was unable to divulge any details of negotiations ongoing with potential buyers, or their identity, and he again warned Manchester United off a bid for Mark Viduka, with Alex Ferguson poised to make a move in the January transfer window.