ken-batesSo cuddly Ken’s holidays to from a tax haven at the expense of Leeds United are finally over.

Bates has been effectively sacked from his role as club president over a controversial contract that committed Leeds to paying for his private jet to and from Monaco for three years, potentially costing upwards of £500,000.

That news probably comes as little surprise to most Leeds fans, who have been deeply suspicious of Bates’ motives for some time now and will be delighted to see the back of him.

But while the club’s owners, GFH capital, have scored some major brownie points by ousting the former Chelsea owner, they have yet to fully convince the supporters they are the real deal.

United were described as “still with financial difficulties” by the Guardian’s football finance guru David Conn on Sunday, stating that they will need at least £10million to keep the club going this season.

That has to come from GFH, but doubts remain over their financial ability to back the club. Or, even if they have significant cash reserves, whether they want to spend it on United.

It is typical that all this nonsense emerged a week before the new season, when optimism under the new manager was starting to grow.

The team may still be light on numbers but Brian McDermott looks to have his head screwed on, which is more than can be said of a number of previous Leeds managers in recent years.

OK we may be overstocked with central midfielders and lack quality in key positions so mid-table is the most likely outcome, but overall I don’t think the squad is that far away from being good enough to challenge for promotion when compared to other sides in the Championship.

Bates won’t go quietly, which is a shame as now is the time for the players to make the headlines. We are all a little tired of boardroom battles now.

But at least he is on his way out and by starting that process the club’s new owners have given themselves some breathing space with the fans. Lets hope they don’t let us down.