Ridsdale says Leeds move is crucial

Ridsdale (r) is detemined not to forget Elland Road

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale believes the club need to move to a new stadium in order to compete with Europe's elite.

Ridsdale unveiled plans for a new state-of-the-art 50,000-seater on the outskirts of the city for Leeds to move into by the start of the 2004/2005 season.

He has encountered hate mail from a section of angry fans, which has been dealt with by police, but says it is in the best interests of the club to make the move.

It would take Leeds to the next level

Peter Ridsdale

Shareholders and supporters have three weeks to decide on the matter, but Ridsdale was adamant that the memory of Elland Road will be carried forward.

"I believe we are very close to building a world class team here and it's now time to deliver a stadium in which they can play," stated Ridsdale.

"It would take Leeds to the next level and we would be capable of competing with the Manchester Uniteds of this world and the best teams in Europe.

"We're at a stage in our development now where there are relatively few players, if they became available, who would add the quality David (O'Leary) is looking for.

"So we need to have the type of income that can sustain our dreams of success on the pitch and to do that we must improve our facilities.

"It is important that we attract the best players possible to Leeds United and there is no doubt that having a new stadium can do that."

Bremner's statue would have pride of place at new stadium

Ridsdale's plans include naming two of the access roads leading to the proposed venue after Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight - the Leeds fans stabbed to death prior to the Uefa Cup semi-final against Galatasaray in April of last year.

Ridsdale added: "By using the names of Christopher and Kevin it would show we were not leaving behind the history of Leeds United.

"There will also be a garden of remembrance made up of the turf from Elland Road where we have scattered people's ashes, and the Billy Bremner statue will come with us.

"But I understand there is a lot of emotion attached to Elland Road. Football is, after all, a very emotional game.

"But if you take the emotion out, which we all have as supporters because it's been our home for however many years, clearly on a pure financial basis in delivering a perfect stadium, there is only one solution."