McKenzie resigns from Leeds board

Former Leeds chairman Professor John McKenzie has today resigned as a director of the club’s board.

McKenzie was initially appointed a non-executive director a year ago, but just six weeks later became chairman following the resignation of predecessor Peter Ridsdale.

McKenzie subsequently cut a swathe through the club’s over-expenditure, and oversaw two rounds of redundancies at Elland Road as part of cost-cutting measures.

However, very public mistakes played their part in McKenzie stepping down as chairman at the club’s annual general meeting just prior to Christmas, although he remained a director.

But after a quiet two months in which he has slipped into the background, McKenzie has also decided to call it a day with regard to that role.

“I have stepped down from the board of Leeds United Football Club because I cannot properly fulfil my functions as a director,” McKenzie told the Press Association.

“That is mainly due to the fact I have been travelling all over Asia through my business dealings, twice travelling to Japan and China since Christmas.

“But I remain the largest individual shareholder at the club, and I shall not be selling those shares, whilst I will also be continuing in my role as an advisor to the club.

“Not forgetting, I still have seats at Leeds United which I personally pay for.”

During his nine months as chairman, McKenzie came in for criticism for his poor handling of Harry Kewell’s summer move to Liverpool.

His biggest error, however, was to discuss with former boss Peter Reid his future at the club at a Halifax hotel with the media watching.

His acceptance of cash for what was described as a “consultancy fee” in the annual accounts for a period through to September this year was also widely condemned in light of the club’s debts.

It was anticipated McKenzie would use his Far East connections to hopefully mount his own takeover of cash-strapped Leeds, although nothing materialised.