New Leeds United chief Cline-Thomas on family’s city link and mission for ‘world’s finest players’
Leeds United’s new ownership has been confirmed after EFL ratification with Rudy Cline-Thomas appointed co-owner and vice-chairman with family links to the city
Leeds is in Rudy Cline-Thomas’s blood. That’s not a polished, public relations pitch from Leeds United’s new co-owner and vice-chairman either.
The American is one of the biggest investors in the 49ers Enterprises vehicle which finally took full control of the Whites on Monday night. Cline-Thomas has been confirmed as co-owner and second in command to new chairman Paraag Marathe.
Now, as part of the confirmation of the takeover, Cline-Thomas has unveiled a family link to the city. He has also made it his personal mission to uplift the club and surrounding community.
“With my family hailing from Leeds, it’s an honour to be able to uplift this incredible community,” he said. “This is more than just an opportunity, it’s a personal mission.
READ MORE: Leeds United takeover finalised as 49ers Enterprises seize full control from Andrea Radrizzani
“The chance to reinvigorate the cherished Leeds culture, to create a platform that attracts the world’s finest players and build a truly global brand that celebrates diversity, is a prospect that thrills me.”
Five weeks have passed since Andrea Radrizzani’s Aser Ventures and Enterprises struck a deal for the Italian’s remaining 56 per cent shareholding, but EFL has now finally given the takeover the green light. Paraag Marathe will become chairman and Angus Kinnear will continue as chief executive.
The takeover brings an end to Radrizzani’s association with Leeds. The Italian became chairman in May 2017 when Aser bought out Massimo Cellino. Radrizzani oversaw the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa one year later and promotion from the Championship another two years after that.
However, after hitting the heights of ninth in the Premier League in 2021, Radrizzani was at the helm as the club sank to 17th and then relegation this year, taking Leeds back to where he started as owner. The 48-year-old will now focus his time on Sampdoria in Serie B.
While the takeover has only just been officially ratified, Marathe and the 49ers contingent have had their feet under the table for some weeks, operating as if control had already transferred. The appointment of Daniel Farke was not, ultimately, halted by the wait and neither was the long line of departures which have also been confirmed in recent weeks.
Work, which was already underway, on incoming transfers is the major priority standing between the Whites and September 1 now the takeover has been completed. The new season starts in just 20 days.
Leave a Reply