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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
News
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Read more from The Hoot Leeds : A Yorkshire barbecue restaurant has opened in one of Leeds’ coolest venues
Featured Image – Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
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Major DJ has set cancelled as overcrowding concerns continue at Leeds Festival
Clementine Hall
After closing for the entire second day, The Warehouse stage at Leeds Festival has once again been forced to evacuate.
One of the most anticipated dance acts of the day has been cancelled due to health and safety concerns just moments before the set.
Sheffield DJ Silva Bumpa was due to take to The Warehouse stage today at 1:30pm, but the set was cancelled due to overcrowding.
It's not the first time this has happened at Leeds Festival 2026, as yesterday Omar+'s set was cancelled due to the same issue and the stage was subsequently closed for the rest of the day.
The Warehouse stage is completely new for this year, and supposedly is designed specifically for dance music...which is quite ironic.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Silva Bumpa said: "So so sorry Leeds Fest but due to over crowding my set was cancelled last min I was just behind the stage and got told right before such a massive shame."
Prospa, another prominent DJ who's set was cancelled at Reading on Friday afternoon, spoke up on the situation: "We are disappointed in The Warehouse stage closure at Reading Festival. We were told it wasn't possible to play whilst on the way. This was due to too many people outside the stage.
"We have seen this happen before at larger festivals in the UK. It's time to double the capacity of tents or put dance music on the main stage."
It comes after another dance stage, LS23, was closed mid-set last night due to a health and safety hazard when all the lights suddenly switched off and ravers were forced to evacuate.
If yesterday is anything to go by, we wouldn't be surprised if The Warehouse was closed for the rest of the day which means anticipated sets from Rossi and Mall Grab will also be cancelled.
Read more from The Hoot Leeds:
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
Danny Jones -
19th July 2023 
