Fans urge Sainsbury to seek new directors

Sebastien Sainsbury has today been warned he would be making a “big mistake” if he were to offer any of the current Leeds directors a place on the new board.

Sainsbury and his American-backed consortium, Nova Financial Partners, are fast closing in on a £25m (€35.8m) deal after this week providing satisfactory proof of funds to chairman Gerald Krasner.

It is hoped the drawn-out takeover saga will be completed by Friday’s 1pm deadline, with lawyers from both parties working around the clock to ensure the buy-out goes through.

It is a race against time, particularly as the latest £2.5m (€3.6m) instalment on the £15m (€21.5m) borrowed from Aston Villa shareholder Jack Petchey to help complete the current board’s own takeover earlier this year is also due on Friday.

But should negotiations reach a successful conclusion, there is growing speculation and concern amongst Leeds supporters that members of the current directorship will take up places on chairman-elect Sainsbury’s board.

It is the belief of the supporters that Sainsbury should distance himself from Krasner and his group, although there also remains a degree of scepticism any deal will be struck in the first place.

“It’s not over until the fat lady sings,” remarked John Boocock, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust.

“Once things have settled down, then we will be able to take a view of what has taken place because there’s been that much to-ing and fro-ing, it’s hard to work out whether it’s a good thing or not.

“Primarily, we need to see a board that’s united, and if the deal does go ahead, we no longer want to see any of the current board.

“The one big mistake he [Sainsbury] would make is by having any of the current board involved. He needs fresh blood.”

Yorkshire businessman Steve Parkin, who attempted his own takeover earlier this year, has already confirmed he will side with Sainsbury if he is satisfied the deal is bona fide.

Parkin also revealed yesterday a further three well-respected businessmen in the Leeds area have been approached by Sainsbury to become board members as the supermarket magnate is eager to have local people involved.

Given the acrimony that has so far enveloped talks, as claim and counter claim have dominated proceedings, it is unlikely any of the current directors will remain at Elland Road.

Understandably, it is again a frustrating period for all Leeds fans who have watched their club put through the mill over the last three years.

“All we want is the best for the club – nothing else,” added Boocock.

“We just want the club to prosper, and until we have stability that won’t happen. If Sebastien Sainsbury can bring that to a club that has been in turmoil for the last three years then he will have done a good job.”