Premier League

Former West Ham MD Angus Kinnear wants coronavirus solution to suit new club Leeds

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Former West Ham United managing director Angus Kinnear says the coronavirus solution must suit Leeds United.

All football has been shut down until April 4th due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing a halt to West Ham’s battle against relegation and Leeds United’s bid to return to the Premier League after 15 years away.

But there is growing uncertainty over what will happen to West Ham and Leeds and the football season as a whole.

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Football season resumption in serious doubt

New government guidelines and timescales make resumption of football – or indeed any sport – any time soon highly likely.

Karren Brady was widely criticised for writing in The Sun that the season should be “null and void”.

That is despite vast numbers of fans agreeing with her in various polls – read full story here.

Brady was accused of opportunism and protecting the interests of West Ham.

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Brady accused of ‘self-interest’

Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear was employed by Brady for four years at West Ham to lead the club’s move to the London Stadium (Evening Standard).

Kinnear left the Hammers to join the Elland Road outfit in 2017. And he told hit out at self-interest from the likes of Brady while simultaneously telling Sky Sports the coronavirus solution must suit Leeds.

And unsurprisingly he disagrees with his old boss Brady, insisting the season “must be completed” so it is fair to the likes of promotion chasing Leeds (Sky Sports).

“From our perspective, we think it is vital that it is completed,” Kinnear told Sky Sports.

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Former Hammers MD insists solution must suit Leeds

“I think there is a growing sense across the football family that that is the right thing to do. It is difficult to speculate on timelines and now is the time for patience and cool heads. I think for the integrity of the football pyramid and the financial security of the clubs, finishing the league is the right thing to do.

“There is obviously a danger that self-interest will play a part but I have actually been refreshed by the fact that most of the football family are looking at safety and health and well-being first.

“That is the main priority,” Kinnear said when asked about Brady’s suggested solution.

“I think if we focus on that, then try and maintain the integrity of the league by getting back to playing at some stage then that is probably the main priority.”