Leeds were in the Champions League semi-finals six years ago

Leeds were all but relegated to League One on Saturday and the club's second relegation in three years could lead to serious financial implications.

And Bates said: "People in Leeds tell me they need a successful club.

"Well they need to get off their backsides and come and support the club. Show us your money."

Feature: What next for Leeds Utd?

And Bates made it clear that he would not forget those who do invest.

"When we're back where we belong, we'll remember the people who did support us and those who didn't support us," he added.

"Revenge will be a dish best eaten cold."

Bates has already rebuffed one approach from former Sheffield United chairman Mike McDonald.

"I told him to go away and come back with proof of funds," Bates told Yorkshire Radio. "I haven't seen him since."

A Leeds spokesman denied a board meeting took place on Monday to discuss the club's future.

The club will be relegated on Sunday unless they score a hatful of goals to beat Derby and Hull City lose at home to Plymouth.

In a statement on the club website, chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "It is important that we take time to reflect on all the factors that have seen us relegated, barring a miracle at Derby next week.

606: DEBATE As a Bradford City fan I can fully appreciate the worries and concerns that Leeds fans will be feeling - best of luck to you and your club KB

"We need to make considered and structured decisions, both on and off the field, over the forthcoming weeks to position ourselves to use next season as a springboard to go forward from.

"There is no point in looking back as we cannot change the past. What we need to do is positively affect the future to get this great club back to where it should be so we can all be proud of the club again."

Meanwhile, Bates has given his backing to manager Dennis Wise, despite the expected drop into the third tier of English football.

Wise took over as boss from Kevin Blackwell in October but was unable to halt the club's dip in form.

Bates told the Yorkshire Post: "Dennis has done a much better job than many people realise.

"We were in a much worse position when Dennis came in than people know about.

"Some of the difficulties he inherited cannot be made public but there were real problems in the dressing room. The playing side was in complete disarray."