Keith Wyness ‘worried’ for Leeds United as play-off final value revealed
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has admitted he is worried for the losing team in the Championship play-off final as Leeds United prepare to take on Southampton.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed it will be “heartbreaking” for whichever side misses out on an instant return to the Premier League.
Leeds and Southampton have both responded well to their relegations last season after finishing third and fourth in the Championship table.
The Whites booked their place at Wembley following a convincing 4-0 victory over Norwich City, while the Saints secured a 3-1 win over West Brom.
It has been revealed the winning side could earn more than £305million over the next three seasons if they avoid relegation in their first campaign back in the Premier League.
Leeds United could receive huge Championship play-off final reward
Wyness revealed it’s tradition for the two finalists to agree the losing side receives all the gate money due to the financial rewards on offer to the winner.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “They have to win the play-off final.
“That’s going to be a very tough game. I’ve experienced the sadness, the loss and the absolute gutted feeling in the play-off final.
“We all know it’s the most profitable game in football. Believe me, it’s heartbreaking to get that far and then lose.
“One of those teams is going to feel that loss. It’s going to be sad.
“The usual deal normally gets done, which I did with Fulham, where you normally call up and say to your opposite number ‘Okay, whoever wins, you give your gate money to the losing team’.
“We got all the gate money from the play-off final, but believe me, we would much rather have had the Premier League promotion money.
“That’s the way it works, but it gives you something in your handkerchief as your tears fall into it.
“It’s a tough day coming up and I feel really worried for both clubs because I know how much it means.”
In other news, Leeds plan to accept £12million midfielder bid.
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