Questions Remain For Krasner

Last updated : 28 March 2004 By Kevin Markey

'Gerald Krasner, the new chairman of Leeds, answered all the questions I put to him again last week. So why was I left feeling a nagging dissatisfaction at the end of the interview at Elland Road before the victory over Manchester City?

'He asked the Leeds fans to judge him after the three years which, he says, will be needed to fulfil the "promises made to the supporters" by his consortium. But what are those promises? In fact, what do we know about the consortium's commitment to Leeds United?

'They talk about openness and transparency, but Mr Krasner isn't prepared to divulge any details of the consortium's financial investment in the club, or the settlements reached with bond-holders and other financiers owed £80m.

'He has said that Leeds will still be at Elland Road while he is chairman. But will they own it or will the ground be sold to raise cash to pay off other creditors and then leased back?

'Krasner has assured me that Eddie Gray will have a job next season. Whether he's manager or not apparently depends on the former winger's progress in obtaining the right qualifications.

'The immediate concern for the fans is the sell-off of top players should the club go down. The chairman has confirmed that plans have been drawn up for life outside the Premiership and that wages will need to be slashed.

'Robinson, Smith and Viduka will go, high earners at the end of contracts will be released. A squad already painfully thin will look skeletal and ill-equipped for life in any division.

'At least there is a future now, though. Gerald Krasner and Co deserve praise indeed for that - but there are still more questions than answers over the club's mid- and long-term future.'