Bates plans to buy back Elland Road

Ken Bates has vowed to buy back Elland Road and the club’s Thorp Arch training ground complex “in due course” as part of his long-term commitment to Leeds following his takeover today.

The outgoing board, the majority of whom will step down, were forced to sell both assets last year to Manchester-based property developer Jacob Adler to ease the club’s debts.