Key says Leeds need more cash
Leeds Director of Rugby Andy Key says the club needs more cash to improve the quality of their playing squad ahead of the new season.
Key is hoping that the board backs him to bring the right players in as the club are still a few players short from the target of 13 players that Key said would be needed ahead of the new season.
However, all sports clubs would like additional funds to improve their playing base and Key may be forced to rely upon some of the youths coming through the ranks of the club. The economic climate is still highly negative and this is a cost effective way to get new players into a team.
The benefits of some extra cash would be huge for Leeds and they could use it across a number of areas. However, they need to stick to reality and realise that they cannot spend money they do not have.
Benefits of cash
The main benefit of Leeds having some extra cash is that Key could go to the number one target on his list and offer that player what he wants to join the club. This would allow the general quality of the playing squad to improve.
Leeds are desperately short in one or two areas of their team. They would be able to bring in some cover for various positions. They will already have first team players ready to start the season so they don't have to break the bank for cover players.
Extra cash could also be used to touch up facilities at the club. This is very important when you are trying to convince players to join. They will not do so if they do not think they will be getting the best facilities available to them.
Key said: "We felt we needed 13 players in. We have brought in 11 top-quality players, but feel we need strength at full-back and 13. The finances have stopped us doing that, but if and when that comes in, we can go out and get what we want. The board have been great with us and backed us since ever since we've been here."
Reality of the situation
Leeds must remember the reality of the situation because if they start to think about spending money they may not have then the real problems are generated.
The club must not do this under any circumstances and if it means they have to play a 17 or 18 year old at various points in the season then they will just have to do so.
The reason this is so dangerous is because there is no guarantee that they will be able to account for that money when needed to. This causes tax and debt issues that have caused the closure of some sporting clubs.
Key added: "They've said to us that as we find that extra finance over the next few weeks and months then they will give us that money to allow us to go back into the marketplace and strengthen the squad further. We knew we had to strengthen the squad this summer to try and get to where we want to be, but we also knew where the club was financially and the two didn't totally match up."
Betting advice
Leeds will not be a side contending for the title this season. Your best chance of pulling off some good bets is to find statistically productive players to back. Back them on a match by match basis as Leeds have the potential to score a lot of points against the weaker teams in the league.
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