The Names Behind The Takeover

Last updated : 19 March 2004 By Kevin Markey
GERALD KRASNER (Chairman)
Has been acting as consortium spokesman. Insolvency practioner at Leeds-based accountants Bartfields. The company also has offices in London and Newcastle. 30-year association with United, was among a record crowd of 57,892 who watched Leeds draw 1-1 with Sunderland in 1967.


MELVYN HELME (Corporate Finance Director)
Former top-level manager of NatWest Bank. Helm, based in Southport, retired from high finance five years ago. Since made a name for himself in property development.

DAVID RICHMOND
Lifelong fan, season ticket holder and son of former Bradford City chairman Geoffrey. Was a member of the Valley Parade board and was also responsbile for overseeing the club's retail and marketing operation. Richmond is a successful businessman in his own right.

MELVYN LEVI
A successful entrepeneur. Melvyn is the son of the late Jack Levi, a top-notch solicitor from the Leeds area. Melvyn was born in Leeds and has lived in the city all his life. He was former director of Bramley Rugby League club.

PETER LORIMER
Leeds United legend. Lorimer made 703 appearances for United after becoming the youngster player ever to represent the club when he made his debut as a 15-year-old in 1962. He netted a club record 238 goals and brought his career to a close in 1985 as a 39-year-old. Lorimer has been involved in a number of business ventures and currently runs the Commercial pub in Holbeck.

SIMON MORRIS
Youngest member of the board. 26-year-old Morris is already a highly successful property developer and is seen as a go-ahead businessman.

The figures of the deal have yet to be disclosed, but it is understood that in excess of £20m will go to the creditors with an additional £10m put forward as working capital and in personal guarantees.

A portion of the finance has been supplied by a company owned by former Watford chairman Jack Petchey.

Petchey is a stakeholder at Aston Villa and will not be involved in the running of Leeds United.

Thanks to the Yorkshire Evening Post for the above information.