Leeds United

Leeds United: Conor McGilligan claims ‘dated’ Elland Road in need of an upgrade

|
Image for Leeds United: Conor McGilligan claims ‘dated’ Elland Road in need of an upgrade

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has claimed that Leeds United need a ‘cash injection’ to upgrade Elland Road, which has ‘seen better days’. 

According to a report in The Athletic last year, having initially owned just 10% of the Whites, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers now has a deal in place to take full control by January 2024.

Should that takeover – worth more than £400 million – take place, big investment may well be expected in the club. It has already been confirmed that there are plans at Leeds to increase the capacity at Elland Road from 39,000 to 50,000.

And while speaking about the matter on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan has urged the 49ers to come in with a ‘cash injection’ to help improve facilities around the club that seem ‘a little bit dated’.

He said: “I think that is where Leeds are missing out a little bit. We all know Elland Road is a magnificent stadium, but I think it’s seen better days.

“The facilities around Thorp Arch are exceptional. But I’ve spoken to a few people who are down there, and they believe that it’s been improved, but it is [Elland Road] still a little bit dated when you look at other Premier League stadiums – you know, top 10, top 15 stadiums, and that will come with time. But I think the 49ers have to come in now because Leeds need a cash injection, facility-wise.”

1 of 15

Leeds United fans, who were these players sold to? Starting with an easy one: Alan Smith

TIF thoughts on Leeds United…

Having established themselves as a Premier League club over the past three seasons after earning promotion from the Championship in 2020, Leeds are now firmly back in the big time.

But of course, with that status comes more pressure to spend big to maintain a spot at the top of the English footballing pyramid. Those at the club won’t soon forget their foolish allocation of finances in the past that cost them so dearly in the early 2000s – but a stadium expansion could be a sustainable way of investing in the club.

Indeed, if the 49ers can upgrade Elland Road, Leeds should earn more matchday revenue, which will, in theory, help keep them fighting strong in the Premier League with that extra financial power.

Do Leeds need to upgrade Elland Road?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Share this article