LUST say players as frustrated as fans

08 Jun 2012 05:05 pm, by YorkshireSquare

Leeds United Supporters' Trust have been speaking with sources close to the players at Leeds United, as frustration grows among fans over the lack of progress on transfers, the current takeover talks, and yesterday's embarrassing court case. They have been told that the players are as disillusioned and disheartened as the fans at the moment, feeling undervalued by the club and totally frustrated by the lack of ambition Leeds United are showing. Many players have read and fully agree with the aims of LUST's Vision Statement, and want them to get their views out on their behalf.

Their sources say that players fear if they speak their minds openly and publicly at the moment they could be left to rot in the reserves, or be sold to clubs they have no interest in playing for. They are anxious, however, that Leeds supporters should know how they are feeling.

The trust has been told that the players are passionate and committed about bringing success to Leeds United. They desperately want to be part of a Leeds United side that wins promotion to the Premier League. With the current situation at the club, though, they cannot see how that will be possible. They understand that without an increase in the playing budget at Leeds, the club will need to sell before it can buy, but the only players the club can sell are the ones who want to stay and fight for promotion with Leeds United. This has put them in a catch-22 situation, not knowing whether they will still be at Leeds next season, or what sort of team they will be playing in.

While they want to stay at Elland Road, the players feel completely undervalued by the club. The trust understand that some of the contract offers the club has been making have offered a miserly increase in weekly wages, offers which do not come close to what players could earn elsewhere. They feel that they are nothing more than commodities to Leeds United, and they have compared their disillusionment to that felt by the fans in recent seasons. Their view is that the club does not care about either the players' or the fans' opinions enough to share their ambition.

A number of players have grown so frustrated by the situation at Leeds United that they are on the verge of giving up, walking away and accepting offers to play elsewhere. Our sources stressed to us that these players do not want to leave Leeds.

The players want the fans to know loud and clear that they share our passion for Leeds, and that they have a burning ambition to get our club to the Premier League. Equally, they share in the frustration and pain the fans have been feeling. Players who want to play for Leeds United fear that they will be forced out of the club this summer, and have to go and play elsewhere for the good of their careers and personal futures. They are frustrated that the people in charge of the club do not share the ambition of the players, and the fans, to make Leeds United a great football club again.

One of the main aims of the Leeds United Supporters' Trust Vision Statement is to reunite the club and its fans. The trust want to see harmony between the fans, the players, and the management of Leeds United, so we can build a successful team together. They are pleased to learn that there are players at Leeds United who fully endorse that vision, and who are desperate to help us make it a reality.

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DallasWhite wrote on 09 Jun 2012 12:25 pm

Well, I guess if we don't hear a response from Bates in the next few days, at least that means there's a good chance takeover talks are ongoing

Emsley wrote on 09 Jun 2012 11:43 am

SteveAds1970 wrote:Emsley, you leave me speechless.
I was in a bad mood when I wrote that, I still stand by what I said.
MOT. :|

Prestud arbitration wrote on 09 Jun 2012 08:36 am

There is nothing new here and nothing wrong with the players voicing their opinions. It leaves us in the situation that we knew we were in, we need regime change! The papers are right to call this a mutiny, but it is not a mutiny of the players, it is a mutiny of the fans first and foremost. We all know what is wrong at Leeds, despite all the hype and the spin! Highest ticket prices, no investment in the team, broken promises, court cases etc, etc, etc,. It shows just what a mess Harvey and Bates have got us into! Where does this leave Warnock. This is the biggest job of his life and there is no way that he can beat the regime!! If he walks we are in a mess! If he stays he is at their mercy in terms of everything he manages at the club. Add to that all the disillusionment and anxiety amongst the squad and it means big problem. We are looking potentially at first divsion next season and make no mistake!! What can the Leeds fans do - the only thing is to take the fight to Ken financially. Leeds United will resurrect from the ashes, but it won't be under the stewardship of either Harvey or Bates. Investors, takeovers - nah, total rubbish. And, Elmsley, use your head man and don't start comparing football players with other people in society! Get yourself a life man!!!!!

SteveAds1970 wrote on 08 Jun 2012 06:05 pm

Emsley, you leave me speechless.

Emsley wrote on 08 Jun 2012 05:18 pm

Tough s**t to some of the players.
You weren't good enough last season and you wont be good enough this season.
If you want better money go else place, last I checked 30'000 Kids are adding to poverty every 3 months in the UK alone and you expect me to feel sorry for them. NO.

'Id love a 40 hour a week job that I enjoyed and was paid 250 quid a week to do it but there aint nothing but dog s**t out there.
If you want better wages and you cant ride out the storm till we know where we stand then leave, simply resign and take no compensation get off the wage bill so we can unite tighter and get players that want to play for leeds.

Utter tripe from LUST in my opinion.