Starts with telling us 68.6% of season tickets renewed by Jan 31st. "What a fantastic response and a demonstration of loyalty and support for LUFC. Deeds speak louder than words and empty vessels make the most sound!" Manager "It was complicated because Simon's position overlapped that of Andy O'Brien. You will recall that there was a difference of opinion between the two and Andy was suspended pending an investigation during the first week of November. This matter has now been resolved and Andy has rejoined the squad and resumed full training on Thursday of last week. The position of Simon was and still is difficult, owing to the outstanding contractual matters, perhaps all will be revealed in due course. There had been a degree of concern for some time but it came to a head when Simon wanted to sign a midfielder on a permanent contract on January 28 which would have cost the club nearly £1.5m over the length of his proposed contract. We already have nine midfielders, so I refused - the first tine ever! The current first-team squad is 28 strong. Premier League clubs are only allowed to register 25. In the circumstances it was decided to part company with Simon and his staff. Immediately following the Birmingham result, it was agreed to act and act quickly which we have done. In the interim, Redfearn, who has done a magnificent job with the Academy, has taken charge and the difference was seen immediately with the 3-0 demolition of Bristol City. Don't be fooled by the sending offs, the game was won when it was 11-a-side, and with our first clean sheet for two months. I think it's important that I make a few pertinent points about Simon's reign and particularly this season. Nobody can take anything away from his achievements in the past, but this season it has been somewhat different; despite suggestions to the contrary, Simon has been backed to the hilt. Remember whether its transfer fees or wages, its the same money going out. Our wage budget was set at £9.5m - for the current year it is just on £12m. That is a hell of a lot of money for a Championship club. The annual wage bill for the Barnsley team that stuffed us 4-1 is just over a third of that. Whether we are over paying our players or have not got the best out of them is a matter of debate. I was also disappointed that he criticised the youth and naivety of the back-four following the Birmingham defeat. This was the same back-four which had held Arsenal for 70 minutes and only succumbed to a goal from a - wait for it - loan player! He picked that team and left Connolly, Bruce, Bromby and Pugh out, all his experienced signings. Meanwhile, with nothing else to do now that the transfer window us shut, managerial speculation becomes more frenzied as the days go by with applications from some outlandish candidates. The Leeds job is a very popular one for obvious reasons but their motives are not always for the best. I also appreciate the many suggestions that we are getting from fans, but because Billy Bloggs has a good TV manner or did something, somewhere 10 to 30 years ago, it is not necessarily a sufficient qualification when you dig into their characters, man-management, marital status or their football philosophy. With all these factors to be taken into consideration, it is not a decision which will be taken quickly or lightly. In the circumstances, given the general impression that he has given to date and the reaction from the dressing room, Redfearn will be in charge for at least the next three games, starting today. Three wins will take us back into the play-offs. Then with just 14 games to go, who knows? Meanwhile Neil, all our best wishes and more power to your elbow. Let us go Marching on Together, but not in the streets!"
So Bates, 3-0 demolition of Bristol City? Don't be fooled by the sendings off? Oh please grow up you moron!!!
Bates has taken us as far as he can and now it is time for him to sell and be on his way. We are NOT going to go anywhere with him in charge. You can forget any good manager coming in, not that it would matter anyway. The ones in charge in Leeds are Bates, Harvey and Gwyn or what the hell he is called. I would not be surprised if they even decided how Leeds is going to play football. So if we are going to have a hope in hell to get forward. Then these three has to go for the sake of the wellbeing of the club and fans.
