Last week, Dubai based GFH Capital extended their existing 33% stake in iconic English club Leeds United to 100% and became the new owner of it. Post-acquisition, GFH officials are now preparing to take over the top positions in Leads’ board of directors, including its chief operation officer. The new management has various plans to improve the miserable position of once ruling English club to return it in its glorious days. The new director of Leads said about their optimistic takeover, “We are looking forward to a bright future and we regard this is a fresh start for the football club that we hope will make the fans happy, both old and new. From a business point of view this is an exciting investment and also an exciting opportunity for GFH Capital and we are looking forward to marching on together.”
Even the fans have now a hope that their favorite club will again be in top ranking clubs in English Premier League. New owners have reportedly received more than 4000 emails and hundreds of tweets regarding their confidence in the new management. Out of the various new initiatives GFH is having in its mind, one is; they don’t want to spend high mounting prices to buy big players, perhaps, they are more interested in improving the infrastructure, like better training facilities, descent playgrounds, and improved nutrition among others. When asked about the current eighth rank of Leads, Salem Patel, new board of director of Leads, said, “What we want to do is create a successful but sustainable club and I think every fan will be with us. English football is one of the most successful exports that England has at the moment. People are watching world over and being part of that is very exciting to us. We want to take Leeds back where they belong.”
However, he maintained that they are not in favor of spending recklessly like other clubs are doing. He quoted, “Leeds United is a great football club, It’s got history, it’s got pedigree, it’s got a fantastic base on which we can build. We looked at a number of clubs but for us Leeds United was the most attractive. We’re not going to be spending crazy money like some football club owners have. What we want to do is to make the investment sustainable and make the club successful.” So, Gulf Finance House’s steps look promising but will they achieve any result, let’s wait and watch!