Details are emerging about the circumstances around Ken Bates sensational departure today, with the Observer suggesting that Bates agreed a deal with a private jet company to fly him between Leeds and his Monaco home at a cost of £500,000 over three-seasons!

Bates's old adversary David Conn, writing in today's Observer claims that the cost of flying Bates from his home in Monte Carlo to matches was around £120,000 a year, although his source claims to be "somebody who has seen the Leeds accounts".

It is understood Bates entered a new deal with luxury private jet firm 247, commiting Leeds to an astonishing half a million pounds to cover his proposed Presidency over three years, which seems pretty staggering given that he said he intended to attend less matches once he had left office as chairman!

However, our former great leader insists it was all above board, legit and actually saved the club money. Bates is insisting he had the power to agree the deal as he was still a director of the club at the time and the club owners, GFH capital were aware of his annual expenses when they bought they club!

"I saved the club money, because this was a sterling contract, rather than euros," Bates said. "I did it in the best interests of the club."

I'd imagine most sprightly 80 something's, who still can get down to Elland Road these days have to fund their own travel costs to the stadium and travel in something far more modest that a private plane!

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