Thirteen years was the length of time that Leeds United fans worshipped in a borrowed church, now all that has changed – and changed for the good.
Back in 2004, Elland Road was sold as part of the ‘fire sale’ sweeping through Leeds United as financial crisis swept rampant through the West Yorkshire club. Players were sold, moving on to pastures new and so it came to be that the Whites iconic ground was caught up in the monetary maelström that ensued.
Late June this year, a mere two months ago, Leeds United’s new owner Andrea Radrizzani made good on a promise first made by his predecessor Massimo Cellino. Through his Greenfield Investment Pte Ltd, United’s new parent company, Radrizzani et al brought Elland Road back where is belonged – with the fans who worship on its terraces.
Quoted in the Independent at the time of the purchase, Radrizzani stated his joy saying: “Today is an important day in our history and a proud day for me and my team. When I met with management and supporters during my first few months at the club the purchase of Elland Road was very high on their list of priorities and I’m delighted to be able to announce that we have completed that process today.”
That process and relationship has been strengthened today with news that Elland Road, the stadium and spiritual home of Leeds United, has been further consolidated as an asset of the club, and wider community, thanks to the efforts of the Leeds United Supporters Trust.
The Trust, part of whose ethos is to provide a voice for Leeds United fans, has this evening announced that they have been successful in Eland Road being granted the status of an Asset of Community Value (AoCV). According to a statement on the Trust’s website, the granting of the AoCV for Elland Road “aligns with our vision of safeguarding the future of the club but, perhaps more crucially, it ensures that fans have a voice in that future.”
The following tweet from the Trust’s official Twitter account, video embedded, explains just what it means for the club and fans now that Elland Road has the added protection of AoCV status.
This is a significant moment for @LUFC and The City of Leeds @LeedsCC_News.
If you're wondering what an #AoCV means for Leeds United, take a look at our video…#TheOnlyPlaceForUs pic.twitter.com/wX8f8cOmcq
— LUFC Trust (@lufctrust) October 6, 2017
Thanks to the Leeds United Supporters Trust, in collaboration with Leeds United themselves and with Leeds City Council, the future of Elland Road is now even more concrete and secure.
Leeds United themselves spoke out on the issue saying in an article on the club website that they were happy to be involved in supporting the Trust’s AoCV application. United’s Managing Director, Angus Stewart, said of the successful bid: “We are pleased to support the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust in their application to make our home an Asset of Community Value.
“Elland Road is an historic venue and has been at the heart of the community in Leeds since before the Club was founded.
“We congratulate the Supporters’ Trust for the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout this process and we look forward to exciting times ahead for Leeds United and our supporters at Elland Road.”
