Noel Whelan has urged Leeds United to hold off on plans to redevelop Elland Road amid the financial uncertainty around the club.
Like many others, the Whites have been heavily hit by the impact of the current global pandemic on the world of professional sports.
This has led to matches being postponed and the club being stuck with overhead costs while having limited opportunities to garner income.
While fixtures look set to be back up and running in the coming weeks, Whelan insists that the damage has already been done and that the club need to ensure that they cut their cloth accordingly.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “We need to assess what this pandemic has done financially.
“Everyone has got to be very wary because things have changed very quickly when it comes to football clubs.
“You have seen how much Manchester United have lost and they are one of the biggest clubs in the world. Football clubs are losing money.
“They need to be very vigilant and plans have to come second. It is about financial stability.
“Put the redevelopments on hold and take a back step because money is not going to be there because fans are not coming through the turnstiles. We need to be very sensible about how we spend our money now.”
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
While Noel Whelan will not be privy to the detailed financial situation at Leeds United, his point is still a valid one.
The financial repercussions of the global pandemic have been huge for every single football club, and with supporters unlikely to be able to attend matches for the foreseeable, the knock-on effect could be long-lasting.
That said, Leeds United do look likely to be playing in the Premier League next term and that will certainly ease any financial pressures that are put on the club.
Developing the stadium at this point may be a gamble, but given their strong position in the Championship it may be a gamble that pays off.