The phrase 'patience is a virtue is believed to have originated in the 14th century and Leeds United supporters are probably beginning to feel like they've been waiting since then for news from the EFL regarding the 49ers Enterprises takeover.
It's only been five weeks since the end of the Premier League season, but the Whites have been stuck in limbo since, with the prospective takeover set to be the catalyst for a gamut of activity, including a new manager appointment and a busy summer in the transfer window.
While we all continue to wait, LeedsLive's Beren Cross has undergone another question-and-answer session with Leeds United supporters. Here is a round-up of all the topics he was quizzed on...
Craig92: I know nothing has been announced publicly. Do we think new ownership team have decided on head coach with deal agreed pending EFL approval. Is there a chance incoming transfers have been identified by new board that are ready to go once takeover has been approved?
READ MORE: Leeds United news LIVE: Farke betting suspended, Whites 'close in' on prospect
BC: Yeah, my feeling is they know the guy they want and they are now waiting to push the button on it. Marathe, Kinnear and Hammond will be working away on their shortlists for incomings, like the call that went in for Nat Phillips for example, and they will look to press on with those as soon as they have control of the club.
msc24: Hi Beren, apart from the old guard and existing U21 team players, everyone seems to be linked with a move, which players do you think are most likely to stay out of those?
BC: Of the players that were involved last season, between the under-21s and the 30-plus bracket, my gut feeling is Bamford, Wober, James and Struijk would be the most likely to stay, but that of course doesn't mean it won't be ultimately be more or fewer than that.
mark1967: How are Leeds allowed to sell players before the EFL have ratified the takeover, yet we can’t name the manager until it’s gone through?
BC: Leeds are allowed to do what they like, but at the moment everything formal needs sign-off from Radrizzani, which is not easy given where the respective parties are at on their journey.
Chirpy60: Is it correct the the EFL inquiry into the suitability of the 49ers could take months ? Is said enquiry delaying the appointment of the new manager and subsequent new players being brought in ?
BC: Based on rudimentary research looking into how long other takeovers have taken to go through with EFL there is no set timeline. Every example I have read about has been different. Some have moved through quickly and others have taken a lot longer. It all depends on the individuals and clubs involved. What's in 49ers' favour is Marathe, Lowy and Kinnear have already been through this process before as board members.
We understand 49ers are happy with the work and preparation they have done with this takeover and feel confident they can jump through all the hoops they are asked to.
The takeover process is slowing down the announcement of a new head coach and transfers, but that work can still go on in the background.
Marko6969: Lee Johnson - was he actually considered or was that just another random made up rumour?
Also has Chris Armas actually left the club yet or is he still employed without an actual role?
BC: No, Lee Johnson was not in the frame. Armas has now left, yes. He went into a back office role for a short while, but I understand his contract has been mutually terminated.
F_Wilson6: With indications seeming to suggest that the 49ers are waiting for the efl green light over the ownership before announcing the new manager, is there a suggestion that plans are very much now on transfers as they know who they're going to appoint? Incomings and outgoings really need to get going now!
BC: Yes, as I understand it, matters on the takeover and head coach are in hand and effectively waiting for the paperwork to work its way through before announcements can be made. So, as you say, plenty of focus is now on transfers, specifically in the current squad.
There are plenty of talks going on around convincing the players they want to keep to stay as well as facilitating moves for wantaway players who would rather not get too deep into pre-season with the Whites.
davism: Rodrigo, Gnonto, Adams .. Sell one, keep one, loan one (out) .. who do you think ?
BC: Great question.
Sell: Rodrigo. The eldest of the three and on the biggest wages with an injury record which would pose a few concerns through a 46-game season.
Keep: Adams. Very few midfielders under contract and until he did his hamstring, he was frequently available. Has the attributes to dominate the Championship. Ready to make an impact from day one too, unlike Gnonto, who still has some inconsistencies.
Loan: Gnonto. Could survive without him for a season if it meant getting him back in 2024, another year older, wiser and more developed.
Chris52: Hi Beren, are we not able to announce our Manager because of the EFL checks? Is this the same for transfers. If the EFL do not sanction the takeover before the end of the transfer window how is that fair?
BC: Hello, Chris. As I understand it, the club could announce a new head coach now, but it would technically need Andrea Radrizzani's sign-off and be his appointment as the current majority shareholder. Until the takeover is ratified, Paraag Marathe remains a board member with little power. It would be the same with transfers. They can, by all means, be concluded, but Radrizzani would have to sign them off and we know how difficult transfers in January became as everyone looked at one another to pick up the bill. A lot of that would depend on the relationship with Radrizzani, whereas it will be far simpler once the takeover is sealed and Marathe et al can push buttons.
If, in the extreme example, the EFL does not ratify this takeover before September 1 then at some point there would need to be frank conversations between Radrizzani and 49ers Enterprises about how business gets done because it would be in everyone's interests for that to continue. For what it's worth, noises from the club remain positive on this takeover going through sooner rather than later. They are currently confident with where things are at.
Busth: According to rumours we have loads of first teamers being loaned out, and even Koch who is out of contract next summer. This must surely take a huge hit with write offs on transfer fees. Of course wages are saved, but lots of money lost. There must be a limit on spending forward, so how is this going to balance itself? The 49ers have already invested a lot in the squad. Losing senior players that way seems odd.
BC: There is plenty of fresh investment coming forward with this takeover. The 49ers group is confident with the finances behind it to ensure the club is very competitive next season.
