'Both closed-loops universes' - how Leeds and Rangers will co-exist
- Published
"Consider them both closed-loop universes that deserve proper attention and nurture and care. We will designate and assign resources appropriately."
With that, Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe explained to the media corps at a Rangers press conference, where he is now vice chairman, that neither club is superior to the other.
Rangers are a Champions League club and Leeds are not. United have a trek ahead to enforce a situation similar to Crystal Palace owner and Lyon share holder John Textor who was sweating on a conflict of interest when it came to entering Uefa competitions with both clubs.
Nonetheless, supporters will wonder where the 49ers investment will be concentrated.
Marathe is clear on this subject: "If and when there was ever even a situation where there was even the perception of a conflict, we would solve that."
The 49ers issue with Leeds is far more pressing than worrying about an ownership model, which may or may not have them compromised with Rangers in terms of European football. For now anyway. After all, survival in the top flight is the sole aim for United.
With approval given for £20m investment at Ibrox, Rangers new chairman Andrew Cavenagh is impatient to become the dominant force in Scottish football. The truth is the 49ers will be working on many multiples of that figure to preserve Leeds' Premier League status.
Spending £15m this week on new signing Jaka Bijol is an initial indication of the size of the commitment by the owners to keeping United in the Premier League.
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