Parent Of Leeds Youngster Defends City

Vital Manchester City regular, Sinbad sent us the following article.

Sky Sports News has given a platform to the dad of one of the Leeds United youngsters who joined City's Academy. The article makes it very clear that the youngster in question wanted the move to City because he felt his career was suffering from the lack of investment Leeds were making into their Academy set up.

Ken Bates has once again draped his shoulders with the cloak on ignominy with his attacks on Premiership clubs who bring in players from other clubs - and are prepared to pay.

City have made cash offers to Ken Bates to compensate the Yorkshire club, but Bates has been band-waggoning his large backside all about the football world in an attempt to get more money from City.

The tribunal will, it appears decide how much is appropriate, just as City are finding with Daniel Sturridge's move to Chelsea. Sturridge was a player who had broken into the first team squad and made his mark to an extent. The Yorkshire lads are starting out on their careers and need the input from a great Academy to give them the right opportunity to carve out a career eventually.

The father given the opportunity by SSN to air his views makes it crystal clear that there was no money advantages for his son by the move. Not only that but his standing as a former Leeds United professional player adds credibility to his view and puts the spotlight on the less than clear motives of Ken Bates. A Crusader for young players' rights the ex-Chelsea figurehead...ISN'T.

Some of the telling comments are below, but I recommend a read of the full article at www.sky sports.com.

Swann - City switch not about money.
Youngster left Leeds for City for footballing reasons.
The father of one of the two youngsters who quit Leeds over the summer to join Manchester City says money was not behind the decision to switch clubs...

'My boy was in tears when he left Leeds,' he continued. 'He even said on the day he signed for City that he still wanted to play for Leeds one day.'

'But he said City just feels right. If I had been in his shoes, I might have chosen elsewhere because in my career I made sure that each move was right for me financially. But George opted for City even though there was no money in it.'

*Try Vital Mobile FOR FREE for the latest news, scores, fixtures and so much more*

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.