Leeds United can now set their focus on off the field developments as they have a long break ahead of next season. The Whites finished in 14th and will play Premier League football next year.
Club chairman Paraag Marathe has been active, speaking about the club’s future and how the 49ers plan to approach it.
This week saw the ownership group announce the start of the Elland Road expansion project. The plan is to increase the stadium capacity to around 53,000 to transform it into a UEFA category 4 stadium.
It will begin with the removal of the Banqueting Suite to begin work on the West Stand.
This project is key for the future of the club as their fanbase grows, and they aim to be a perennial Premier League side.
Leeds United chairman makes surprising Elland Road naming rights claim
The stadium expansion will no doubt fetch more revenue for Leeds United as their ownership have big plans for the club. The 49ers are pushing for the club to reach a £1 billion valuation in the next few years.
Speaking about Elland Road, club chairman Paraag Marathe has been speaking about the stadium and what it has meant for the club this season and over the last few years.
”I think what’s also important is the competitive advantage that we have at Ellen Road, which we do.” he told BBC Sport.
”It is a nasty place to play for opposing players. And I love that about it. And we can’t take that electricity away. You know, the fans are as important as any player on the pitch, and they know it, and they embrace it, and they appreciate it, and they deliver as a result of it, for us.”
When the topic of naming rights popped up, and if the club would try and use that as an avenue for revenue, Marathe gave a surprising reply.
”It hasn’t been it hasn’t been contemplated. It’s not something I’m thinking about at the moment.”
READ MORE: Leeds United issue statement as part of 49ers’ ambitious £1bn plan
Leeds fans will be pleased with this development
Modern football has seen a lot of clubs sell their stadium naming rights for revenue in their daily operations. Some may agree with it, and others may be against it, but the 49ers’ stance is refreshing.
A lot of Leeds United fans assumed the ownership would overly commercialize the club since they took over.
But so far, they have done a great job keeping the fanbase on their side.
They have large ambitions and will be looking to execute that in the near future. Fans should be happy that they have owners who care about preserving the originality of their home team.
Forza elland rd
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