Need for stadium revamp 'enhanced' amid new financial rules

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan believes the Whites' need to carry out work on redeveloping Elland Road has been "enhanced" because of wew Squad Cost Ratio rules that will be introduced into the league for next season.

Overall squad costs will have to be limited to 85% of a club's revenue, although teams competing in Europe will have to adhere to Uefa's maximum of 70%.

Squad costs comprise player and manager wages, transfer fees and agents' fees.

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Buchan said: "We know the club have been very proactive with this, in terms of we know beforehand with PSR [Profit and Sustainability Rules], they were always trying to skirt the line, be tight on it and spend every penny they could, and we know they'll be doing the same with the SCR as well.

"It also enhances the need for the stadium development. Again, that is going to increase your capacity to spend because either is going to increase your football income. And it also shows why they cannot afford to lose a single seat during the build of the West Stand.

"If you suddenly lost all the income of the West Stand now, while you rebuild a side of your stadium, that is going to affect the percentages for the next few years. That is why they are determined not to lose a seat of hospitality or general admission during the next few years when the stadium's being built."

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope added: "We know statistically it is very difficult to stay up for two years, never mind one year.

"It's so important that Leeds continue to evolve and keep that money coming in to make sure SCR is adhered to, which, in the immediate term, doesn't do as many favours as PSR did but down the line it should be OK. That's why you would've heard they voted against it initially, as other clubs did too."

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