Leeds fans announce scheme

Leeds Fans has been gathering the details of interested supporters since its formation earlier this year, and from April 7 supporters will be able to invest from anywhere between £100 and £10,000 into a community benefit society (CBS).

Phase two of the plan - to be launched later in April - will cater for supporters wishing to donate larger amounts with the final phase being a foundation which will allow companies and philanthropists to get on board.

Leeds Fans has had some high-profile backing since its formation, with a number of the Elland Road club's former players voicing their support, while last month Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe - a lifelong Leeds supporter - offered them advice on how supporters can run a club, drawing on his experience with Australian rugby league side South Sydney.

The group has also looked closely at supporter involvement at other clubs, notably at Rangers, and is now hoping Leeds supporters will back its plans.

"We want to get the largest number of fans on board and make this the biggest fan fundraiser ever seen in the UK," chief executive of Leeds Fans Dylan Thwaites said.

"We know how often Leeds fans have been let down and we think this will be the last chance for us to have a proper voice at Leeds United Football Club and the last chance to work together to return our club to the glory days."

Leeds are currently under the majority ownership of Eleonora Sport, the group formed by Italian businessman Massimo Cellino, United's president who is currently unable to have any dealings with the club as he serves a Football League suspension after failing its Owners' and Directors' test after a tax evasion conviction.

His ban expires at the end of the season but he has said he will not be returning to office while he tries to clear his name, giving rise to speculation that another takeover could be in the offing.

Cellino bought Leeds from Gulf Finance House Capital in February 2014 after a messy bidding process, with the Bahraini investment bank retaining a minority percentage.

Leeds fans have grown increasingly disgruntled about the management of the club from first Ken Bates, to GFH and then Cellino, and former striker Allan Clarke - who scored the winner in the 1972 FA Cup Final - is hoping that the new initiative can offer them a hand in running their club.

"In recent years Leeds supporters have proved time and again they're as loyal as they come," he said.

"What they deserve is to have a bigger say in how the club is run. The group is made up of fans who want to achieve that goal and I fully endorse what they're trying to do."