By Andy Baggott
January 19 2004

With todays deadline looming, there doesn’t appear to be any knight in shining armour coming to the rescue for Leeds. There is, however, expected to be a extension of a week or possibly two, before the Administrators are called in. This could give Trevor Birch enough time to put a plan in place to keep us going until the end of the season. The biggest problem we are facing is relegation. Understandably, potential investors are not willing to pour money into a club hat could find itself in Division 1 next year. This would mean a drop in income of some £25 million, and this is what is scaring the money men. Birch is hoping to get an extension until May, when we will know our Premiership fate. If we stay up, it is likely that some sort of package will be forthcoming. If we don’t, administration beckons, and there would be a mass exodus of our players. The other option, which looks more unlikely by the day, is the Sheik. He has been in the press saying that he has the money together, but despite several discussions with the club, and many requests to produce evidence, he has failed to do so. There is still a chance that he has things in place, and the talked about £35 million will be coming, but as the hours drain away, so does the chances that he will come through. Whatever the outcome, it is going to be a busy day today, with a statement to the stock market expected at some point. News here as it happens…