Bates back at helm as Leeds rivals stunned

Leeds' controversial chairman hit out at his fiercest critics, including local MPs, after administrators KPMG stunned rival bidders by declaring Bates' undisclosed offer for the League One club the winner.

Scroll down to read more:

But Redbus boss Simon Franks, who linked up with property developer Simon Morris, said: "I'd be shocked if somebody outbid us. We're looking forward to seeing the documentation.

"I'm gobsmacked. We put together what we thought was a brave bid. In the last bidding, almost a month ago, we provided proof of funds of £10million against (Bates') £350,000 and we still lost."

Franks, who claimed his bid was worth over £40m and pledged £20m for players over two years, will have to wait for figures — KPMG have agreed to sit on the terms until they are revealed to creditors in months rather than weeks.

Bates, 76, took over in 2005 then bought the club out of administration last month with a 1p-in-thepound offer to clear £35m debts.

But that was scuppered by the taxman who is owed £7.7m. The former Chelsea chairman still faces a fight with HM Revenue and Customs, who refused to accept his improved 8p-in-the-pound offer and instead fixed a High Court hearing for September 3.

Bates must also regain Leeds' golden share, certification to start the season in the Football League, who imposed a transfer embargo on the relegated club when the administrators went in 10 weeks ago.

He will lobby the League board, whose regular monthly meeting today will focus on the Leeds fiasco.

KPMG admitted failure in their "extensive talks" with the League to guarantee the share, but the spokesman declined to comment on a suggestion that only Bates would be looked on favourably.

Bates had threatened legal action if he did not win the bidding. Many Leeds fans had hoped former Hull chairman Adam Pearson, a director until leaving in 2001 to resurrect fortunes on Humberside, would succeed with a bid to run the club.

Disaffected fans plan a demonstration before a friendly at York tomorrow, but Bates praised supporters while hitting out at those who campaigned against him.

He said: "Part of the delay has been caused by people who profess to love this great club but have done their damnedest to cause as much trouble as they possibly can.

"Three local MPs did their best to mess up the club completely, but failed, despite putting pressure on the Inland Revenue.

"But that's all in the past and the club is in a good position. We have serious investors who want to come in with us for the right seasons, not the wrong reasons — and they're not property spivs."

Joint administrator Richard Fleming said: "The approved deal represents the best result for creditors in the circumstances and we believe provides the club with the best chance of survival."

But MP Colin Burgon said: "I think this is another dark chapter in the history of Leeds United because I don't believe Bates is going to take the club forward.

"When we have watched the bidding process and what went on before, I think there is deep disquiet about what has happened and the outcome is bad news."

Supporters' Trust chairman Rick Duniec said: "The mood has been swinging anti-Bates. He threatened the club's existence."