We pay the 5th highest season ticket prices, have 40,000 club members, a massive overseas fanbase etc. The fans money makes up over 60% of the clubs turnover; a turnover of over £25million (by far one of the largest outside the Premier League). Our wage bill is only 50% of our turnover, one of the lowest percentages of turnover in the Championship. Over the last 3 seasons, we've lost key players Jermaine Beckford, Bradley Johnson, Schmeichel, and now Gradel is leaving. These key departures were down to wages. 2 free transfers, 2 on last year of there contracts. Jermaine Beckford offered a contract, turned down. Schmeichel never offered a contract. Johnson offered contract, rejected and resulted in a public confrontation between him and Bates. Gradel expressed desire for new deal, never offered one. Our club can afford the wages to keep these players. We have the income (provided by us the 'morons') to pay the wages that are necessary. This club is in a very healthy financial position. Nobody can ignore the fact that Bates is ruining this club.
"Nobody can ignore the fact that Bates is ruining this club." Judging by the numerous postings here and on another 606 board, Best Fans, many "morons" (his words, not mine) appear to be ignoring that exact fact. Sorry mate, I cannot understand how they do not see him for what he is.
Simon21, How many other players have left in a similar fashion - i.e., without being offered a contract that was appropriate for a player who had come on over the prior season(s)? Why is it that despite player after player leaving in this way, Leeds fans blame the player? Gradel stated on a number of occasions that he wanted to stay and that despite being promised a new contract, one was not offered. The club has not contradicted that in any way. This is different to other player situations where management promptly slagged those players off in the media. Perhaps if you moved your arse (since you decided to bring it into this discussion) and stopped gulping down the Bates propoganda, you might see Bates and Mates for what they are.
Does anyone think simon and josh hang around the toilets at elland road waiting for a chance to wipe bates arse for him. Or maybe they are just pathetic trolls hanging around to create debate. Get a job guys, your act is getting a little tired now!
