Chairman Ken Bates yesterday regained control at Elland Road after a recount of votes at an extended creditors' meeting effectively handed him back the club, which he placed in administration with £35million worth of debt early last month.

However, many creditors were not happy with Bates' 1p-in-the-pound offer and despite the 75-year-old acquiring the necessary share of the vote - 75.20% - Leeds will remain in administration for a further 28 days to allow any creditor who wishes to dispute the sale to go to court.

The new company, Leeds United Football Club Ltd, must then seek approval from both the Football League and Football Association before manager Dennis Wise can sign new players ahead of their first season in Coca-Cola League One.

Richard Fleming, joint administrator and KPMG restructuring partner said: "I'm satisfied that in voting to accept this CVA proposal the creditors have approved a solution that allows the club to plan ahead for next season; reduces uncertainty for all those with an interest in Leeds United; provides some return for creditors and avoids liquidation.

"Leeds United Football Club Ltd must now seek approval from the Football League and can begin to rebuild for next season.

"The supervisors can also begin the process of agreeing creditors' claims for dividend purposes."

Bates has warned creditors legal action would only serve to harm the floundering club further.

"The important thing now is we make progress. There's been a suggestion of challenging what has happened, but you can't challenge for the sake of challenging, you have to have a reason," he said.

"If someone decides to challenge what's happened they will affect the running of Leeds United - and we will take them on because we want to move forward."