KEN BATES is sweating on a recount of creditors' votes as he bids to cling on to power at Leeds.

After a six-hour meeting to consider seven bids for the club yesterday, Bates's offer to pay just one penny in the pound was passed by the narrowest of margins and a recount was ordered.

Now creditors will meet again at Elland Road on Monday to hear the final verdict, though there could be a challenge to the result in the High Court.

That would leave Leeds in limbo, still unable to buy or sell players in readiness fort the new season.

Ex-Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner, who advised creditors to throw out Bates's bid, said: "They disallowed substantial votes on both sides so there may be challenges in the High Court."

Steve Mohun, a Leeds fan and creditor, said: "The mood of the creditors present was overwhelmingly hostile. This is not the end of it - no way.

"The legal wrangles could leave the club in limbo for months and they won't be able to buy or sell players until this is sorted out."

Bates needed 75 per cent of the votes to carry the day and yesterday's count was 75.02 per cent.

Supporters Club chairman Ray Fell said: "All true Leeds fans will be worried about where we go from here.

"It seems a long runner and we are very worried about the start of August and being ready for the first game. I am sure the fans will be bewildered by what has happened."

Creditor Andrew Simister complained: "The administrators only seemed interested in Ken Bates' offer of a penny in the pound. There were better offers on the table. The reaction is one of disbelief and frustration."