‘A sea change in Leeds Utd ownership’: Marchers demand Ken Bates resignation

A march organised by the Leeds United Supporters Trust made its way from City Square to Elland Road before the home match against Brighton, which Leeds lost 2-1.

With a police escort, they waved banners emblazoned with the words “Premier League not Premier Inn”, “We’ve Had Enough” and “Morons”. Some also chanted protests at Leeds United owner Ken Bates.

The organisers cited United’s failure to achieve promotion to the Premiership and its reliance on loan players while at the same time investing in development of the Elland Road ground.

Leeds United Supporters Trust chairman Gary Cooper said: “This is part of our campaign for change we are spearheading for members and fans who have asked us to act for the future of Leeds United.” “There are concerns about just what has been going on over the last year or two, on the pitch and off.

“We should have a team that will get us into the Premiership and keep us there.

“Supporters are concerned about transfer window activities. We have been selling our best talents or allowing our them to leave including our own home grown captain Jonny Howson who represented the future. We have been replacing them with loan players, who if Mr Bates is to be believed, cost us a lot of money,”

He added: “We need a sea-change, whether that is a change or ownership or the way that the club deals with supporters remains to be seen. We need a changed business plan and a changed investment policy. The East Stand was excellent, but did not produce results.”

The protest continued at the ground, as the marchers congregated at barriers put up around the entrance.