Leeds United's Elland Road vision key step with off-field change yet glaring omission noted

-Credit: (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)


More meat was put on the bones of the Elland Road redevelopment yesterday, but the fully fleshed-out vision remains tantalisingly elusive. Until supporters see drawings and dates, they will, understandably, reserve proper judgement and excitement.

It’s nearly five years since Angus Kinnear, as part of Leeds United’s centenary celebrations, unveiled an artist’s impression of the John Charles Stand virtually matching the height of the Jack Charlton Stand. Yesterday’s statement was the latest instalment in a long line of updates, big and small, on that initial vision announced in 2019.

It was initially expected promotion would hold the keys to such an undertaking in LS11, but then it needed a secured position in the top flight and then it became clear Andrea Radrizzani would not be around long enough to justify starting such a project. And then the club was relegated.

Radrizzani, Kinnear and Paraag Marathe have all been asked about the redevelopment at various stages since 2019. They have answered the questions, but never made any promises and left the project quite open-ended, hanging on top-flight status and a stable ownership group.

Beyond those answers in interviews, this is the first meaningful announcement the club has put on the record in years and, perhaps, a nod to the stability 49ers Enterprises now feels it has at the top of the club. Ownership of the stadium officially moved back into the club’s hands earlier this year, of course.

If the capital and expertise is within the 49ers group to make this a reality, promotion is likely to be the biggest barrier. After last season’s play-off final, Marathe said he expects to be ready to put a shovel in the ground with the redevelopment from late May 2025.

The assumption is that shovel will only break ground if the club is promoted, but only time will tell on that. Marathe does not want to develop a reputation for over-promising and under-delivering, so he will be careful with what he says and what the club announces.

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Monday’s note lacked drawings or dates because the club is keen to ensure promises or aims are not made and then used as a stick to beat them with down the line. Supporter feedback is important in the formulation of these plans and will go some way to directing the eventual pictures we see.

The capacity aim is encouraging, retaining the atmosphere is paramount, a phased approach will be appreciated and making the ground Champions League ready is exciting, even if it is a long-term aim on the pitch. It’s all words, yes, but taken a face value it’s another meaningful step forward.

In due course, proper plans will need to be announced with deadlines and funding and pictures. Only then, will it start to feel real for supporters so tied to their magical second home.