20 Jun 2014 12:21:53
"Cellino said he was looking to move away from the club's Thorp Arch training complex, around eight miles north of the city." (BBC Just now)

So what does this mean for attracting good players, retaining talented youth and attracting the next generation of players when we are already surrounded by Cat 1 and 2 academies (Middlesborough is Cat one and there's plenty of Div one Cat 2's so don't give me luxury we cannot afford nonsense). As a Cat 2 Huddersfield will be able to come and take talented youngsters for minimal compensation if we are not there - I don't even think you can sign players under 12 years old if you are not Cat 2.

I have repeatedly said that he aims to dismantle the youth set-up and it appears that his intention is clearer - you cannot just walk into a new Cat 2 facility. Look at what the Pozzo family did to Watford set-up. Its an Italian thing?

1.) 20 Jun 2014
I think this is a smokescreen. MC is not willing to pay the price stated in the buy-back agreement and is trying to scare the landlord that he will be stuck with a complex nobody wants. Expect MC to purchase Thorpe Arch at a reduced price within 12 months.

2.) 20 Jun 2014
20 Jun 2014 14:40:24
All good points, however if paying for this means we will always be flirting with administration what can he do. Previous boards have consistently sold our best players to make ends meet, mortgage everything including the kitchen sink etc. we have to comply with FFP so the only way is to cut costs to the bone and hopefully have a bigger budget for today's team. I would love another Batty, Speed, Woodgate to come through, while ever we remain in the Championship, if they do, how will we keep them? If Byram had been fit do you think he would still be at Leeds. I think with the rent on Elland Rd, rent on Thorpe Park, costs most other teams with academy's don't have it's a luxury we cannot afford. The other solution would be to buy both of them and save the rent which would run the academy!

3.) 20 Jun 2014
20 Jun 2014 14:59:17
He's always talked about developing youth. All he is saying is leaving TA and building a new facility closer to ER. This makes sense. Why pay nearly 4 million to buy TA when he can build something closer to ER for a lot less.

4.) 21 Jun 2014
Thorpe Arch is the only thing at Leeds United which isn't broken. There is so much that needs fixing that it makes no sense at all to close it down, not least since we're tied in to a lease.

5.) 21 Jun 2014
Axeman
No good reason?
What about money I'm sure that's a good enough reason, also I've said it before and I will say it again MC said he wanted the training ground closer to ER back in March.

6.) 21 Jun 2014
I can't imagine closing it down and moving elsewhere would be financially beneficial though Andy. I don't know the full facts but I'd guess that we're we're tied to a lease at TA, in which case moving might prove costly.

As for money, if Cellino is serious about reaching the premiership then cost cutting is not the way to go. The club needs investment, especially in the playing squad.

The facilities at TA are outstanding and downgrading the players' training & rehabilitation environment, the one jewel in our tarnished crown, doesn't strike me as being a smart move.

7.) 22 Jun 2014
Axeman
I don't know about the lease, I was lead to believe it ran out a few years ago but the ER lease runs for another few years.
Again on the money front I think he has to meet the fair play rules or get docked points, fined money I'm not sure but the guy seems to know what he's doing and what he wants!
Maybe he will build another TA closer to ER I don't know.