Former Leeds United player David Norris has spoken out about his experiences playing with point deductions, amid fears of sanctions for the club if they do not satisfy PSR criteria on time.
Leeds have until the end of this month to earn enough money from player sales, which could be aided by the club’s recent Red Bull alliance, to comply with the restrictions that have troubled other English clubs in recent months.
Everton and Nottingham Forest were high-profile examples of points deductions in 2023-24 for breaking the rules, and Norris, who played under a deduction at Portsmouth before joining Leeds in 2012, has provided his perspective.
“On the pitch [with deductions], I think it’s forgotten about,” Norris told MOT Leeds News exclusively.
“We were fully aware of it when it happened to us at Portsmouth; it was in our faces every day, but it had no effect on us once we were on the pitch.
“It maybe even galvanised us that little bit more with that underdog mentality – it would become a bit like ‘us v them’, and it brought all the players and staff together.”
Could Leeds United actually be penalized points?
It seems crazy to discuss it right now, with just under three weeks left in the month and plenty of options for Leeds United to recoup revenue on surplus players, but it’s frightening how quickly events may escalate.
Former Leeds and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has pointed out that Sheffield United will start next season in the Championship with a two-point deficit.
Robinson stated, “Leeds United will have to sell players – and they will.”
That declaration has been obvious as day since the play-off heartbreak last month, and to some extent before that day at Wembley, with players such as Crysencio Summerville almost set to leave.
Farke will also have to cut ties with a number of unwanted returning loanees, which may be difficult considering on the players’ compensation packages and contract terms.
It remains to be seen what can be done and how much money can be obtained to put an end to speculation about PSR implications for the foreseeable future at Elland Road.
