In other news, Leeds United star tipped to become hero at Premier League rivals.
Whelan thrilled as Leeds appoint London-based hire loved by Radrizzani
Noel Whelan has lauded Andrea Radrizzani for bringing trusted ally Massimo Marinelli onto the board at Leeds United.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the new arrival would be an important “go-between” for the owner and other investors.
As confirmed on Thursday, Leeds have appointed Marinelli, Peter Lowy and Sandro Mencucci to the board, while Andre Tegner has departed.
The trio have joined chairman Andrea Radrizzani, vice-chairman Paraag Marathe and CEO Angus Kinnear in the boardroom.
Marinelli is also the CEO of Radrizzani’s sports investment agency Aser Ventures and is based in London.
Whelan suggested he would be a valuable addition to the Leeds hierarchy.
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Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “I think it’s good timing. I think these changes need to be made before the summer.
“It’s obviously been on the cards for quite a while. A lot of discussions going on about the changes up in the board. I think the club is looking like a good, healthy position and doing things at the right time.”
Asked about Marinelli’s appointment in particular, Whelan said: “He’s obviously a man with good connections. A good relationship with the people that have percentages in our football club and I think you need that go-between.
“I think you need a familiar face, that voice over a phone, or that face on video chat for these calls. Mr Radrizzani and the owners of the 49ers obviously respect him.
“Yet again, healthy relationships working between two parties that have a percentage in one football club. To keep a healthy relationship and you know those connections between the two and that middleman, you can’t get any better.”
Marinelli played a key role when the San Francisco 49ers first invested in Leeds back in 2018.
The Americans have since increased their stake to 37 per cent.