McKenzie will keep low Leeds profile

PROFESSOR John McKenzie has insisted he is “not Peter Ridsdale in disguise” as he stepped into the firing line as Leeds’ new chairman.

Until this season Ridsdale was a high-profile figure, earning himself the nickname of 'Publicity Pete' for his love of the media spotlight.

McKenzie, who has taken over from Ridsdale despite his appointment to the plc board just six weeks ago, will not be following in his predecessor's footsteps when it comes to speaking openly on Leeds' affairs.

McKenzie's non-executive role means he will only deal with club matters potentially two days a week, dividing his time between Leeds and his other London business positions.

Although a close friend of Ridsdale's, it is apparent McKenzie believes the 50-year-old should have adopted a 'seen-and-not-heard stance' much sooner, just as he now intends to do.

"I will be a non-executive chairman who will adopt a procedure much closer to that of Arsenal and Manchester United, where the chairman of the plc is not a high-profile figure."

McKenzie is also to allow Peter Reid and whoever his successor is during the summer if the 46-year-old is not appointed on a full-time basis complete control when it comes to team matters.

The departing Ridsdale finally discovered that he could not survive an attack on two fronts as fans and figures combined to force him to relinquish control of the Elland Road club.

Ridsdale quit his position after nine months of turmoil which saw him sack two managers and sanction the sale of six top players.

He made his decision after the club's interim financial results for the six months up to December 31 last year showed a loss of £17.2million before tax and a total net debt of £78.9million.

But it was not only pressure from the boardroom which hastened his exit but the anger of fans.

Ridsdale admitted that "intense personal criticism" from Leeds supporters had affected his family and his health.

"When this criticism becomes so intense that it affects your family and health it requires clear reflection on the right way forward."