Leeds considers training ground deal
mardi, 22 septembre 2009
Leeds United is looking into an offer by the city council to buy the Thorp Arch training ground near Wetherby and rent it to the club.
The ground, currently used by the team, was sold to Manchester businessman Jacob in 2004, and a £6 million option for United to buy it back expires on October 10. The council has ruled out lending the club the money.
Full details of the offer have not been revealed, but the council is reportedly anxious that no financial burden should be born by taxpayers
It is believed that a deal would secure use of the 12-hectare facility for the Olympics, the 2013 & 2015 Rugby World Cups, and the 2018 Football World Cup.
Says council spokesman Andrew Carter: "Our main concern is that this arrangement must not ultimately be paid for by the council taxpayers of Leeds, so before we agree to anything we must be satisfied that all of our costs would be fully covered by the club's rent payments and security bonds.
"We will now be putting a proposal to the club based on a set lease. We have made it very clear on what basis we are able to help, and hope Leeds United are able to accept these terms."
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