Leeds fans ‘will hate’ potential Elland Road changes – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Leeds United will “cause a problem” in their fanbase if they increase hospitality offerings at Elland Road.
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 – claimed corporate developments will be a “sticking plaster for a real problem” at the Yorkshire club.
Speaking to TBR Football (9 September), finance expert Kieran Maguire claimed the current focus at Leeds will be on improving hospitality offerings at Elland Road.
The Whites’ season ticket waiting list is currently 20,000-strong after recent success at the Yorkshire giants.
Leeds have previously explored expanding their famous stadium to around 50,000, up from its current 37,890 capacity – but it appears those plans have been halted after relegation in 2023.
Elland Road changes could ’cause a problem’ for Leeds fans, says Wyness
Wyness insisted increasing hospitality spaces will only be a short-term fix to boost revenues.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s a sticking plaster for a real problem at Leeds.
“Elland Road is a good stadium but it’s a tired, old stadium – much like Everton’s Goodison Park.
“I can imagine Angus Kinnear is tearing his hair out because they’re in the Championship, where you can’t really justify putting in a long-term stadium plan.
“You’ve got to try and get revenue in through short-term fixes in areas.
“I think it will cause a problem in the Leeds fanbase.
“They see the queues for season tickets, but will also see the reduction in spaces available if more corporate areas come in.
“The whole thing comes down to players’ wages and transfer fees. The fans love it when new players come in, but they hate paying the increased ticket prices.”
In other news, Leeds fans amazed by Wilfried Gnonto in new role for Italy.
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