It had long been in the pipeline, but last week it was finally announced – Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani was coming aboard the good ship Leeds United.
And what a good ship it is at the moment. Formerly a leaking vessel on choppy waters and having all on to remain afloat with a mad captain at the helm, seemingly all too quick to chuck mutinous crew overboard, this have changed at Elland Road.
The once listing vessel has righted itself and has steered a course through calm waters to third place in the Sky Bet Championship table. Admiral Cellino must be on lithium or mogadon as there is a sense of calmness at the club, calmness that has been strengthened by the arrival of former MP & Silva boss Radrizzani.
The Italian incomer, courtesy of his ASER Media investment vehicle, has purchased a 50% share of the club from Cellino, the man he will run the Elland Road outfit with on a co-owner basis.
After watching his new side dominate Derby County, Radrizzani spoke to Sky Sports (below) about his vision of the way forward for Leeds United.
Five things Radrizzani said in his interview with Sky Sports
1. On what being involved can bring to Leeds.
“With my contribution we can bring back [Leeds] to a better time.”
In essence this is what Leeds fans, no matter what side of the divide of previous ownership vehicles have wanted, a simple return of the good times. These are times when Leeds were a force, that is all the fans want back.
2. On his personal desire to succeed.
“I have a lot of desire to bring my competence, know how, and expertise in sport business to improve the club.”
Competence, some would argue, is the key thing that has been missing of late at Elland Road. Radrizzani is a well-known player in the sport media business and was also involved in the recent transfer of Italian Serie A side Inter Milan into the hands of Chinese owners. It will be this that Leeds fans will be hoping rubs off a little on their club.
3. When asked about his relationship with co-owner Cellino.
“So far it is working well…to be honest he involved me in any decisions he made…to be fair he shared with me every decision about the players positions during the summer.”
Positive first impressions here as Radizzani seems to more than hint at a close working relationship between the two, typified by the flow of information.
4. On his wider aim and scope and working with Cellino.
“To work together united with the team, the players, with hte manager, the fans, the city itself to try and achieve something.”
This all-inclusive unity is part of the ethos that is developing at Elland Road at the moment, it is encouraging to see that Radrizzani accepts that. It is also good to see that there is a vision to take this idea of ‘unity’ outside the stadium, to allow it to permeate through all that Leeds represents.
5. When asked the ‘big question’ about transfer activity during the window.
“[speaking of other teams first] We are also active. Our manager and Ben Mansford, the CEO of the club, is [sic] working on a daily basis to explore the opportunities following the direction that myself, Massimo and Garry have identified. We are keen to explore opportunities.”
This will be encouraging news to Leeds fans who, alongside the views of the management, see that strengthening in key areas is something that will allow the club to develop.
