Bates blames Inland Revenue for Leeds' woes

After taking heat for his method of buying back English Leeds United, chairman Ken Bates vented his frustration at Inland Revenue, blaming them for him having to place the club into administration.

"The Inland Revenue acted extremely unreasonably," he said. "Over the last two-and-a-half years Leeds has paid between GBP 15 million and GBP 20 million to the Revenue, but our cash flow dried up and we asked for a holiday. The Revenue said no and put forward the petition to wind up the club.

"I'm sorry small creditors have lost money, but that is totally down to the Revenue."

Bates placed the club into administration, formed a new company and attempted to buy back Leeds. With one creditor controlling 45 percent of the debt backing Bates, despite a weaker offer from Bates than others interested in the club, he barely retained control with a 75-percent approval from creditors.

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