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Leeds United takeover completed by American investment group, 49ers Enterprises
Can they help get the Whites back in the Premier League?
Leeds United's takeover has officially been completed by American investment group 49ers Enterprises.
The EFL approved the full formal purchase of Leeds on Sunday, 17 July, for £170 million, taking full control of the club and seeing the Andrea Radrizzani era come to an end after six years.
49ers Enterprises have been involved in the club since 2018 when they purchased a 15% stake and increased their holdings in 2021 when they took control of 44% of the shares.
Now having taken charge of Radrizzani's stake, their new American owners are restructuring the club ahead of the new season.
Named as such through their ownership of the San Francisco 49ers NFL team, the enterprise is gradually growing its sports portfolio and will now be attempting to turn its hand away from American football to the beautiful game.
Paraag Marathe, previously vice chairman and a board member, will take over as Leeds United's new chairman, with Rudy Cline-Thomas — founder and managing partner of MASTRY — joining the Board as co-owner and vice chair.
Angus Kinnear is set to stay on as CEO, stating that he believes the 49ers will bring "fresh leadership, management, and a commitment to investment" that will match their ambitions and allow them to once again become an "established top-flight club".
With Leeds eyeing up a swift return to the Premier League after being relegated back to the Championship following a three-year stay back in the first division, they have appointed former Norwich head coach as their new manager.
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Speaking on the announcement, Marathe said: "This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the Club. We have already appointed a highly-respected First Team Manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season.
"It’s a privilege to carry this torch as I know we have a responsibility to ensure this Club makes our staff, players, supporters, and the Leeds and Yorkshire communities proud."
As for the outgoing Radrizzani, he bid farewell by saying: "It has been an honour to guide Leeds United over the last six years and to spend so much time with the best fanbase in the world. 49ers Enterprises have been fantastic partners for years and I'm confident they will take Leeds to the next level."
Will they help get the Whites back where they belong at the first time of asking?
Featured Image — Leeds United
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Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike
Clementine Hall
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Read more: Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
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Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack
Daisy Jackson
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has shared an update this afternoon, after a man died in a horrifying tiger attack at the zoo yesterday.
The wildlife park, which remains closed today, has informed customers of the future of the tiger involved, Altai.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
The zoo has said that its 'thoughts and heartfelt sympathies' remain with the man's family and loved ones.
They also said that its staff team have been left 'deeply affected' by the tiger attack and will be receiving specialist support.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has now shared that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Read more: Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month
Featured image: Craig Thomas on Unsplash
Danny Jones -
19th July 2023 
