A football chairman used a regional daily to introduce himself to his new club’s fans.

Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe wrote an open letter exclusively for the Yorkshire Evening Post announcing his arrival at the club’s Elland Road stadium.

The message comes after Mr Marathe’s 49ers Enterprises outfit, which had owned 44pc of United since 2018, purchased the remaining 56 per cent stake from previous chairman Andrea Radrizzani following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

The YEP splashed on the exclusive on Wednesday, pictured.

In his open letter, Mr Marathe told supporters: “The last few years have been challenging for all of us.

“I have experienced the joy, the frustration, the letdowns, and everything in between.

“While I’m hesitant to make promises about what we may achieve in the future, because there are no certainties in football, I can reassure you that the pain of the past two seasons has not been lost on us.

“I have felt it too. We are fully committed to seeing Leeds United returned to its rightful place in the Premier League.

“I look forward to seeing you at Elland Road and Marching on Together.”

YEP editor Joseph Keith told HTFP: “The Yorkshire Evening Post has a long and proud history of covering Leeds United day-in, day-out and the club’s new owners have recognised the crucial role that publications like ours play in the city.

“Paraag Marathe choosing to speak directly to fans through the YEP follows a time-honoured tradition for custodians of Leeds United.

“With our heritage, we’re proud to be Leeds’ most trusted news brand and we will continue our in-depth coverage of the club – on and off the pitch – as it aims to seal a return back to the Premier League where it belongs.”