Leeds are desperate to get their new stadium built to improve their revenue and Ridsdale has hit out at Town Hall delays.
‘Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale has hit out at members of the city council for "playing politics" with the club's dream of a new stadium. Ridsdale believes some councillors are trying to undermine plans for a new home to replace Elland Road.
He said: "Everyone is committed to ensuring we have a world-class stadium so we can continue to compete with the best teams in England. Whether we build away from Elland Road or develop our existing site, we do need both a co-operative and sympathetic partnership with the local authority.
"There are regrettably some people who feel it is in their best interest to play politics with our aspirations and are therefore proving to be less than helpful. Wherever we build, we will pay a fair price for the land and build a stadium that all Leeds supporters can be proud of."
However Labour councillor Bernard Atha defended the council's behaviour. He told the Yorkshire Post: "If they are happy to pay a fair price, then the citizens of Leeds will be happy.
"It's not about people playing politics, it's about people doing their duty. Anyone reading those comments may feel they are inappropriate if he wants a good relationship to exist."
David O'Leary who has commenced his legal battle with Leeds could have to wait at least a month before discovering if he has been successful in claiming record compensation of £2.5m.
From The Guardian:
‘The Irishman claims he is owed the amount after being sacked during the close season with three-years of his contract still remaining at Elland Road.
A preliminary hearing took place at an independent tribunal in London yesterday when the legal teams of both parties were present. Neither O'Leary nor the Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale attended the meeting but Leeds will be given two weeks in which to respond after details of O'Leary's financial claims have been set out.
It is understood that Leeds were willing to reach a financial agreement with O'Leary but have objected to his behaviour both prior to and following his dismissal. Leeds officials want an explanation regarding the extent of O'Leary's involvement in out going transfer negotiations concerning one of their big-name players, thought to be Olivier Dacourt, without what they say was the express permission of the board.’