billy bremner statue at Elland Road (Large)Despite some confusing reports to the contrary, Ken Bates says he isn’t trying to worm his way back into Elland Road, or at least, not the stadium built on it.

Instead, the ex-Leeds United expense swindler is attempting to set up some kind of media company near the stadium. While he doesn’t give many details, we all know how much Ken Bates loves his radio stations and after he forced half of West Yorkshire to buy digital radios for Leeds United coverage, I’m sure he believes there’s a gap on the airwaves that some Ben Fry-led, awful 80’s music catastrophe can fill.

In an interview with the Yorkshire Post, Bates explains how the only dealings he’s had with the club since he was fired from the President’s position is via his lawyers as he tries to claim compensation for unfair dismissal.

Bates explains how Leeds United’s owners took issue with him charging his Sky Sports bill to the club, offering the quite ridiculous excuse that it was the only way he could keep up with the goings on in football. Apparently, the private jet, full expense package and pointless executive boxes he built himself didn’t cover that. I’m sure you can all relate to his struggles…

Investment

In potentially happier news, there may be reason for optimism with the January transfer window just around the corner after David Haigh invested a seven-figure sum into the club to fund Brian McDermott’s plans. With the Whites enjoying a good run of form which has lifted them to sixth in the Championship, a couple of astute signings at the beginning of next year could make for a very exciting end to the season.

Speedo

Sadly, today marks two years since Leeds United lost one of our greatest ever midfielders. There are very few players from my lifetime whose names belong in an LUFC legends club dominated by Revie’s great team, but the Leeds United midfield of which Gary Speed was a vital part sits comfortably among them.

I consider it a great privilege to have seen Gary play so many times in Leeds United colours. At an impressionable age where the Leeds United team were my heroes, there are few greater role models a young boy could have asked for. Gary was a player whose hard-work, enthusiasm and clear love for the game left a lasting legacy at every club he played for and on every fan who witnessed it, a man who the footballing world misses greatly and who my younger self only wishes he could have better emulated.

“I’m a better human-being for having known Gary Speed” Sam Allardyce remarked after Speed’s passing. Amid all the touching tributes the world of football offered, it’s Allardyce’s that always resonated with me because – despite not knowing Gary Speed personally – he was someone I looked up to and admired, and I feel as though Leeds United are a better club for having featured him.

RIP Speedo. Marching on forever.