Are Leeds fans warming to the idea of a Massimo Cellino takeover? It’s difficult to say. Certainly when he signalled his interest in buying Leeds United last month, it’s fair to say that many supporters were not happy.
Amid allegations of corruption and links to the mafia, the Italian, who also owns Serie A side Cagliari, faced boos when he turned up at Elland Road for the first time.
Are Leeds fans warming to the idea of a Massimo Cellino takeover? It’s difficult to say. Certainly when he signalled his interest in buying Leeds United last month, it’s fair to say that many supporters were not happy.
Amid allegations of corruption and links to the mafia, the Italian, who also owns Serie A side Cagliari, faced boos when he turned up at Elland Road for the first time.
However, as his deal to buy the Championship edges closer to completion, some of the Leeds faithful are ready to give Cellino a chance – and they made light of the rumours about him by dressing up members of the Italian mafia during a match with QPR. Complete with yellow suits, bulky white ties and black and white bowler hats, the 50 or so supporters who took part more than matched the stereotype of an Italian mobster.
Sporting Intelligence is reporting that Leeds have already borrowed £6m off Cellino and, if his takeover fails, he wants it back in six months with 10 per cent interest.
I think that after a lot of huffing and puffing to make it look respectable, the Football League will approve the takeover because there is not really a viable alternative. It’s really a case of any port in a storm. I hope it works out so that Leeds get a chance of realising their Premiership potential.
One problem has been resolved after Leeds United’s shirt sponsor withdrew a winding-up petition against the club after a £1.5m debt was repaid. Enterprise Insurance, whose managing director Andrew Flowers was part of a group trying to buy Leeds, were due to contest the debt in court on 17 March.
Leeds borrowed the money from the Gibraltar-based company in 2012 at an interest rate of seven per cent with repayment due in 2015.