The ongoing takeover saga is set to run and run and we take a look at the different options and outcomes, although given recent unprecedented activity, we can be forgiven if this bears no resemblance to the actual outcome.
At the time of writing, the current position is that GFH-C are still in control on Leeds United, with David Haigh at the helm after reversing his decision to resign in protest on Friday night. A bid from Massimo Cellino, in the guise of Eleanor Sport Plc has been accepted by GFH-C, subject possibly to funds transfer and definitely to the approval of the Football League.
Manager, Brian McDermott remains as manager, but stayed away from the Huddersfield game following legal advice and in consultation with the LMA (League Managers Association). It is understood lawyers acting on behalf of Cellino informed McDermott he was sacked on Friday evening, despite having no authority. Mixed reports suggest Cellino does not want McDermott or never wanted to sack him - the latter is probably being reported to to calm the situation, either as a PR move for the fans, the football league or to appease a specialist employment law solicitor.
McDermott is expect back at training on Monday but is understood to be seeking further assurances from the club.
The sudden about turn of GFH-C yesterday, to re-recruit their manager and most of their board is either as a result of a sudden awareness of the timescales involved in completing the Cellino deal, and realised they had left themselves exposed to substantial legal action in the meantime, or in response to a tip off that the Football League were unlikely to accept the Cellino deal full stop. Given recent events, it is fair to say that no-one really knows what is going on at Elland Road.
In addition, Mike Farnan, who is heading a separate Consortium is already threatening legal action if the Cellino deals go through (against the football league).
The most obvious solution to this, is for the Cellino deal to go through and be sanctioned by the football league. If this is the case, it is unlikely McDermott will stay in the job, at least for any period of time with stories that the Italian likes to interfere with the day to day running of the club and team. It is clear that McDermott and Cellino do not have any form of relationship and if McDermott was allowed to stay, it would be with several sanctions, including the forced recruitment of Gianfranco Festa to his managerial team.
The Cellino deal would see some serious cash injected into the club according to reports, including the repurchase of Elland Road, and whilst the manner of the takeover (and treatment of Brian McDermott) is unpalatable to supporters, a return the the Premiership is what the fans want - and he just might deliver that sooner than others.
Expect legal disputes to follow though. Andrew Flowers and David Haigh have pumped substantial funds into the club, and with Farnan threatening further action, Leeds could find itself back in the courtroom, sooner than anyone expected in the post-Bates era.
If the deal falls through, GFH-C are understood to be in a mess financially with the club losing money every month. Both the Farnan bid or the Flowers deal could be back on the table and be a serious option for GFH-C to get out of the club whilst they still can - or face the threat of Administration.
Whatever happens, the fans will probably be left in the dark and we expect several more twist and turns yet.
Join the debate - Click here for the Leeds United Messageboard
At the time of writing, the current position is that GFH-C are still in control on Leeds United, with David Haigh at the helm after reversing his decision to resign in protest on Friday night. A bid from Massimo Cellino, in the guise of Eleanor Sport Plc has been accepted by GFH-C, subject possibly to funds transfer and definitely to the approval of the Football League.
Manager, Brian McDermott remains as manager, but stayed away from the Huddersfield game following legal advice and in consultation with the LMA (League Managers Association). It is understood lawyers acting on behalf of Cellino informed McDermott he was sacked on Friday evening, despite having no authority. Mixed reports suggest Cellino does not want McDermott or never wanted to sack him - the latter is probably being reported to to calm the situation, either as a PR move for the fans, the football league or to appease a specialist employment law solicitor.
McDermott is expect back at training on Monday but is understood to be seeking further assurances from the club.
The sudden about turn of GFH-C yesterday, to re-recruit their manager and most of their board is either as a result of a sudden awareness of the timescales involved in completing the Cellino deal, and realised they had left themselves exposed to substantial legal action in the meantime, or in response to a tip off that the Football League were unlikely to accept the Cellino deal full stop. Given recent events, it is fair to say that no-one really knows what is going on at Elland Road.
In addition, Mike Farnan, who is heading a separate Consortium is already threatening legal action if the Cellino deals go through (against the football league).
The most obvious solution to this, is for the Cellino deal to go through and be sanctioned by the football league. If this is the case, it is unlikely McDermott will stay in the job, at least for any period of time with stories that the Italian likes to interfere with the day to day running of the club and team. It is clear that McDermott and Cellino do not have any form of relationship and if McDermott was allowed to stay, it would be with several sanctions, including the forced recruitment of Gianfranco Festa to his managerial team.
The Cellino deal would see some serious cash injected into the club according to reports, including the repurchase of Elland Road, and whilst the manner of the takeover (and treatment of Brian McDermott) is unpalatable to supporters, a return the the Premiership is what the fans want - and he just might deliver that sooner than others.
Expect legal disputes to follow though. Andrew Flowers and David Haigh have pumped substantial funds into the club, and with Farnan threatening further action, Leeds could find itself back in the courtroom, sooner than anyone expected in the post-Bates era.
If the deal falls through, GFH-C are understood to be in a mess financially with the club losing money every month. Both the Farnan bid or the Flowers deal could be back on the table and be a serious option for GFH-C to get out of the club whilst they still can - or face the threat of Administration.
Whatever happens, the fans will probably be left in the dark and we expect several more twist and turns yet.
Join the debate - Click here for the Leeds United Messageboard
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