Lorimer backs Bates as 'the right man'

Leeds legend Peter Lorimer today backed Ken Bates’ £10m (€14.4m) takeover at Elland Road and claimed: “He is the right man to take the club forward.”

Bates, the former Chelsea chairman, completed his takeover in the early hours of this morning.

And Lorimer, a member of the current board, believes the 73-year-old controversial figure can help Leeds emerge from their crisis and prosper.

“This is a great move for Leeds and the fans,” Lorimer told Sky Sports.

“The board have done a great job knocking £80m (€115.3m) off the debts but now the club has to go forward and I’m sure Ken is the right man. The board would not let the club go to anyone who couldn’t do what is needed.

“I am sure he knows exactly what is needed and I am sure he will know what to do about the finances.”

Asked how the fans would react to Bates taking over, Lorimer – who is thought to be in line for a place on the new board – added: “I think they have been very worried with talk of administration and being docked 10 points. That would have put the club adrift from safety.

“If you are a fan, all you want is for a club to go forward. The fans will be grateful to someone who comes in and does that.

“He has praised the board but there is still a job to be done. The debt has been reduced from over £100m (€144m), down to just over £20m (€28.8m). That is unbelievable in 10 months.

“The team has been rebuilt and we are moving ahead. The Leeds fans should thank the board. There have been a lot of sleepless nights.”