What Do YOU Think About Bates?

Kevin Blackwell hailed the impact of chairman Ken Bates at Elland Road, and even Sheff Wed fans are holding an inquest as to why he didn't end up at Hillsborough.

Has he won over the Leeds fans? Personally I have met the man and cannot stand him, but I ask you to vote in our poll on this site. Simply tell us if he is good for Leeds or not.

We all know about the ridiculous hike in ticket prices, and there are hundreds of tales from Stafford Bridge when Bates upset many. But is he taking us in the right direction ... at a cost we can afford?

The 27,833 crowd for the clash with neighbours Wednesday was the biggest of the season at Elland Road, and Blackwell insists the feelgood factor is returning to Elland Road ... along with the fans.

Bates watched on from the directors' box as Leeds beat Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 to keep the pressure on second-placed Sheffield United.

Blackwell : 'I haven't spoken to the chairman yet but I'll go up and have a chat with him now. It's been a momentous 12 months and what a way to finish it. Hopefully the next 12 months can be just as successful.

'The club has absolutely turned itself on its head and I don't think any of us would have ever thought that would be the case.

'The attendances are steadily rising and I think people couldn't believe how quickly this club imploded - from Champions League football to then be relegated to the Championship takes some doing.

'But right now it's a new era for Leeds United Football Club and if it's anywhere near as successful as the Don Revie era - God bless him - then there are good times ahead.'