Dear Mr Bates, Us Leeds United fans have been through the wringer over the past decade and things are finally looking up. However, it is no understatement that an alarming majority of our fans are becoming increasingly disgruntled with the contractual situation at the club. In the past two years we have lost a number of top players through what we consider to be poor contract management. The likes of Beckford were replaceable as are Johnson and Kilkenny, but Gradel is immensely popular with Leeds supporters and we very strongly believe he should be offered a contract that is worthy of his ability. Whilst we can appreciate that you are being careful with the finances in light of previous financial mismanagement, we would urge you to redress your contract stance of letting the deals run down until the last year. We can all see that this just doesn't make sense, especially when these players are replaced by players on loan. For example, Max Gradel's value is worth significantly lower than what it would be were he to be secured for another three years. Surely even if you wanted to sell him it would make more sense to offer him a new contract then sell him on at a greater price at a later date (although hopefully never)? Equally, replacing them with loan players just as good will still mean spending more in agent fees, wages and signing on fees than it would to secure Max on a longer more lucrative contract. Added to this, it is clear Max Gradel wants to stay, so it's a no brainer. The majority of fans are grateful for your help and see the club prospering in the long run. But it is time for you to show us some more respect and start showing some more ambition, starting with keeping the players we can ill afford to lose should we wish to get out of this division. Especially our younger players (Hoson, Gradel and Snodgrass). As such this petition is from all the Leeds fans that want you to re-evaluate your contract stance towards our players. Yours sincerely Your loyal Leeds United Fans