City settle with Leeds over transfer of youngsters
According to today’s Yorkshire Evening Post, City have agreed compensation with Leeds United over the transfer of 14-year-olds, George Swan and Louis Hutton.
Their move hit the headlines a few weeks ago, when outrage stories on the movement of young players proliferated in the aftermath of Chelsea’s ban for the illicit signing of Gael Kakuta. Ken Bates had chipped in demanding points deductions for clubs taking young players, but not for the first time this has proved to be bluster from the ex-Chelsea chairman.
Was he just trying to bump up the price City would pay? We’ll never know. At the time, City had made an offer which Leeds deemed unacceptable, and the case was to go before the Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) to have the fee set. This was perfectly legitimate within the current rules.
Swan’s father (a former Leeds player) spoke of how the decision for his son to come to City had been motivated by the better facilities on offer. While Leeds have an excellent record of bringing through youngsters, their financial woes seem to have impacted on the facilities available at Thorp Arch.
City and Leeds have now come to an “amicable private agreement” without going to the tribunal, according to the Elland Road club, though they haven’t confirmed the actual fee.
This is good news for City as they could do without any further controversy following the Jeremy Helan case with Rennes. It’s also good news for the two youngsters who can now concentrate on their football. Let’s hope they make it.
simcol(leeds fan)
5 October 2009 - 3:18 pm
Well that is a suprise NOT bates does this all the time you could have paid us £1million or more our club won,t see a penny it will all make its way into the grey haired fleecing pricks bank account the sooner he goes the better
Blue Days
5 October 2009 - 4:46 pm
Simcol, having lived in Leeds for a couple of years (many moons ago) I have a lot of sympathy for Leeds fans who would like to see the back of Bates. The way he refuses to even state who owns the club says it all. He belongs to another era – which was when we had our equivalent in Peter Swales. Say no more.
I also think the rules should be tightened up regarding ‘transfers’ of youngsters. Leeds have had a great academy over the years, and it shouldn’t be exploited because of failings elsewhere at the club.
jensuicat
5 October 2009 - 4:14 pm
Hear hear lets keep it all clean for our upward projections.
And primarily lets get 3 points at Villa tonight to show real intent
Come on you boys
Adam
5 October 2009 - 4:51 pm
Training facilities are better at man city? I think not tho they may be on a par Thorpe Arch is one of the best facilities in the world and our record of bringing players through is second to none………i think what he meant to say was ££££££, i hope both the lads rot in city’s reserves ala Taiwo, Woods etc
Blue Days
5 October 2009 - 5:04 pm
I found the Yorkshire Post interview with Peter Swan (father of George Swan) where he speaks of the reasons for George’s move. It’s available here.
City Slicker
5 October 2009 - 5:10 pm
Adam I suggest you take note of what the ex Leeds player had to say about your Youth facilities and ambition. I know that wont stop you deluding yourself but pride always comes before a (yet another) fall?