Angus Kinnear delivers boardroom update on Leeds United’s promotion push with squad ‘confidence’ claim.
Angus Kinnear has shed some light on the current feeling in Leeds United’s squad from the view of his position in the boardroom.
With no more international breaks until March, the Championship’s promotion race looks set to heat up in the coming weeks, particularly with the festive period just around the corner.
Leeds currently set third in the table ahead of the resumption of the season, just two points behind both Sunderland and Sheffield United, who occupy first and second respectively.
Following such electric starts from Leicester City and Ipswich Town, Leeds are in a much better position than this time last season, but you could still argue too many points have been dropped.
Leeds have only lost twice so far but just two wins from their seven matches on the road means they are in the chasing pack, as opposed to sitting top of the pile.
Kinnear shares boardroom update on Leeds promotion push
Those in Leeds’ boardroom will know as well as anyone how important it is for the club to win promotion this season.
A third successive year of Championship football would represent the final year of parachute payments, which will also be significantly reduced.
Despite raising over £100 million in player sales in the summer, Leeds would almost certainly have to sell some key members of the squad again.
In fact, Kinnear admitted back in September that Leeds certainly aren’t out of the water with PSR, and staying in the Championship would only heighten that.
Having said that, despite the pressure riding on this season, Kinnear has shared a positive update on the ‘confidence’ in Leeds’ squad looking on from his position as chief executive.
The minutes from the latest Supporter Advisory Board meeting said: “AK [Kinnear] says there is a real confidence and togetherness in the squad at the minute. Game against Plymouth was a good example of how the team wants to dominate, whilst also able to rotate and bring youth through.”
What Kinnear said about Leeds’ PSR situation
As mentioned, Kinnear has already confirmed that Leeds’ summer of sales does not necessarily mean they are clear of P&S regardless of what happens this season.
It was actually at the September Supporter Advisory Board meeting in which Kinnear revealed Leeds are still ‘close to PSR limits’.
The minutes said: “AK [Kinnear] begins with a football update. AK explains that it is difficult to communicate going into, and during, a transfer window regarding incomings and outgoings.
“Club were able to retain certain players other Championship clubs wouldn’t have been able to, including Wilfried Gnonto, Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier. Club is still close to PSR limits.
“The values brought in for the players sold were high. On PSR, AK states that in the EFL, if clubs aren’t on track to meet requirements they can be put under embargoes and sanctioned. Club don’t expect any issues.”
