da betsul： Yorkshire are launching a fresh attempt at purchasing their home ground, Headingley, in Leeds
Cricinfo staff09-Nov-2005Yorkshire are launching a fresh attempt at purchasing their home ground, Headingley, in Leeds. The club, who currently lease the ground from its landlords, Leeds Cricket, Football & Athletic Company, have been bidding for the ground for some time – but while their latest attempt is likely to be their last, this time there is cause for optimism.The club fell £7m short of meeting the asking price set by Leeds CF&A – owned by Paul Caddick, chairman of the rugby clubs Leeds Tykes and Leeds Rhinos – of £15m earlier this year, and were forced to explore alternative methods of resolving the purchase. But, as reported in today, talks between the club and Leeds City Council have created a renewed sense of optimism that Yorkshire’s dream might finally become a reality. Although the figure is unknown, it is expected that the club will need between £12m and £15m to secure the deal and sources close to the council suggest the loan will be given the green light.Without purchasing the ground, Yorkshire cricket faces a crossroads. Its ambitious plans – securing Headingley’s Test status, redeveloping the ground and restructing the board – can only be achieved through ownership of the ground. Indeed, the pride Yorkshire fans would take in having a ground to call their own cannot be underestimated – especially at a time when interest in the club is steadily plummeting.