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Vinnie Jones says Leeds United do not need Russell Crowe takeover

Vinnie Jones: Former Leeds midfielder feels for club
Image: Vinnie Jones: Former Leeds midfielder feels for club

Vinnie Jones admitted that Leeds United’s demise is a ‘sad situation’ and insisted Russell Crowe is not needed at the club.

The former Leeds midfielder was a guest on Goals On Sunday, and revealed his displeasure at what is happening at the Sky Bet Championship club.

Behind the scenes, the club is in turmoil, with controversial owner Massimo Cellino banned from having any executive influence at Elland Road until May 4 due to a tax conviction in Italy.

Goals on Sunday

Hollywood actor and lifelong fan Russell Crowe has been linked with a takeover of the Yorkshire club, but Jones does not think Crowe will resolve their predicament..

"It’s a very sad situation. It’s such a magnificent club with magnificent supporters,” Jones said.

“They need to be back in the Premier League. Someone needs to come in. I know about the Russell Crowe story and all the rest.

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Vinnie Jones explains the story behind the famous picture of him man-marking Paul Gascoigne.

“Let’s be honest, that’s not going to happen. At the end of the day someone’s got to come in and be substantial and put the money in.

“We need someone to come in. I don’t think a movie star is going to do it. As much as Russell Crowe is a supporter, he’s in Australia and he’s doing his rugby league. It would be impossible.

“I’d like to see the fans get some ownership. They’ve done that at Bournemouth and other places.

“We were a family at Leeds but it all became too big time. Too much money got thrown around and we got into the Premier League and it was like the vultures started ripping the club apart.

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Kevin Phillips, Leicester City assistant first team coach, suggests the team-spirit at the club is high

“Here we are left with the carcass.”

Kevin Phillips, who was also a guest on the show, insisted that manager Neil Redfearn deserves a great deal of praise for working in such circumstances.

“You have to give credit to Neil Redfearn and the job that he’s doing,” Phillips said. 

“He’s stuck at it. There was the infamous sacking of his assistant Steve Thompson that no one really knows what happened. Not even Redfearn knew and he’s his manager.

“He’s had to deal with a difficult situation and being on a coaching staff now to have five players come to them after training on a Friday and say 'I’m not fit for tomorrow’s game', then there’s a huge problem.

“If you get a football person in to run that club the fans would be back like that. It’s a magnificent football club.”

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