'Pilot not passenger - leadership has brought fortitude and change'

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

When referring to the San Francisco 49ers Enterprises' previous minority shareholding under predecessor Andrea Radrizzani, Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe uses the analogy that being a passenger on someone else's plane did not make for the most comfortable of rides.

No more backseat driving for Marathe and his colleagues now though. Their hands are 100 per cent on the wheel steering the club, team and ground development forward.

Five years in the wings for the 49ers has been time to learn the dos and don'ts of running a club - a club they have seen promoted to and relegated from the Premier League. The latter is not something the 49ers want their prints on but now they are stamping their mark.

Shrewd appointments in manager Daniel Farke, loanee defender Joe Rodon and the purchase of midfielder Ethan Ampadu indicate they have worked out how to construct a team fit for purpose. Standing up to dissenter Luis Sinisterra shows a foot-down approach is in tandem with the other being put forward.

Strong leadership has brought a culture of fortitude and change. Six clean sheets, an ability to come from behind in matches and a swagger when storming forward means Farke's team is a brave one.

This is no accident. Marathe knew he could make an impact on the football operations side by restructuring the personnel infrastructure. Farke, technical director Gretar Steinsson and interim football advisor Nick Hammond, who is set to stay for another year, are dovetailing effectively in a new winning mentality.

Marathe's intention for United to be a success on and off the pitch is neither a business nor a passion project for him. He says it is not about the profit. Whatever the motives, the pilot's vision is one that investors have been prepared to buy in to.

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