‘Quite incredible’ – Exclusive: Whelan reacts to ‘Massive’ reveal from Leeds chief
Noel Whelan admits Leeds United are facing a “quite incredible” loss of cash if matches are to be played behind closed doors for any length of time.
The former Leeds striker and lifelong fan of the club, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, insists that the Whites’ fanbase “keep the club running” with ticket sales and other purchases.
Elland Road chief Angus Kinnear has said that he is confident the club could “survive” if games were to be played behind closed doors for “eight or nine months”.
In a leaked recording obtained by the BBC after a meeting between the EFL and club representatives, it is stated fans are not expected to return until January 2021 at the earliest.
However, the Times report that the entirety of next season could be played behind closed doors under plans being considered by sport’s authorities.
Whelan admits it is worrying times for football clubs and suggests finances are a huge concern for the likes of Kinnear.
Whelan told Football Insider: “The fans bring in a massive income to the club, that’s just a fact. They keep the club running – week in, week out, home and away games, what they pay over the season, it’s quite incredible, it’s a huge loss.
“It’s going to have a massive impact financially on these clubs. You think about players’ wages and everything else that comes into play. There will be a lot of debt and not a lot of profit coming into the football club. That’s what they’ve got to look at.
“With no fans there, not only will it be a strange environment to play your football in but it’s going to be worrying times for football clubs in general.”
Speaking about the potential of playing games behind closed doors, Kinnear told the Yorkshire Post: “I think if it is for eight or nine months, I am confident that Leeds United could survive.
“It would be challenging and it is about how the business model would have to adapt. The biggest challenge is around player wages, that’s the primary cost for all clubs in the Championship.”
In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that Newcastle’s takeover spells bad news for the Elland Road club.