Andrea Radrizzani has urged Leeds United fans to keep the faith in a Twitter reply to a fan criticising the club’s transfer policy.
United supporters have grown increasingly tetchy on social media in recent weeks at a series of cut-price new signings that do not address the immediate needs of the first team.
Leeds are seventh in the Championship and well placed for a promotion challenge but the only senior arrival so far is Belgian left-back Laurens De Bock, who is set to make his debut against Millwall on Saturday.
United fan Radebae messaged owner Radrizzani on Twitter calling for “some answers to do with transfers” as the supporter base were “getting more impatient” following 15 years in the lower leagues.
We do actually need to start hearing some answers to do with transfers. Fans are getting more impatient and rightly so, we’re one of the biggest clubs in England and have been stuck in 2nd division for 15+ years??? @andrearadri #lufc
— Radebæ (@raddrizarmy) January 16, 2018
Radrizzani replied on his personal account that he was aware of the frustration from fans but he has only been “responsible” since last June and is “working hard” on making their dreams come true.
The Italian businessman insisted that senior management “will be transparent and clear on market transfer strategy” in a question-and-answer session in February.
I can see yours and all fans are getting impatient but I am responsible since last June and working hard to make our dream come true ???????????????????? @LUFC management will be transparent and clear on market transfer strategy in Q&A session in Feb. all focus on millwall now #mot https://t.co/LbAMUybd12
— Andrea Radrizzani (@andrearadri) January 16, 2018
OPINION
Radrizzani has been moved to action by a sensible and relevant message from a supporter concerned at the club’s lack of ambition and investment in the playing squad. The businessman has been the antithesis to the erratic and controversial Massimo Cellino since taking sole control last May, making a series of popular moves that have gone down well with supporters, particularly buying back Elland Road. But Radrizzani is far from the big-spending owner that many fans had hoped for, to fund their return to the Premier League promised land. It particularly irritates supporters that the club are fixed on buying cheap and young players, unwilling to compete for the signings who could immediately transform the team. Radrizzani promises all will become clear. By then, the January horse will have bolted. And few will now anticipate getting the New Year’s present of a decent striker that they are wishing for.