Leeds United's faultless seven game winning start to the 2007/08 league season came to an abrupt halt in a stormy encounter against Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium last September. Despite having both Jermaine Beckford and fellow striker Tresor Kandol red-carded, the nine men were closing out a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Seb Carole goal, when the Gills salvaged an added-time equaliser.
Gillingham's outspoken chairman, Paul Scally, had earlier felt the need to confirm his support of the Football League's unprecedented 15 point sanction against United for exiting administration without a CVA in place. 'I don't need to hide behind anonymity or a secret vote,' said Scally. 'I voted with the League's board and I think I was right to do so. I wasn't responsible for deciding whether Leeds should be punished, or what their punishment should be. Neither were any of the clubs. The board took that decision, and we were simply asked to back one party or the other using the evidence in front of us.'
'The League's explanation seemed very convincing to me and, to be honest, I thought Leeds United's case was really poor. I asked a couple of questions and got answers from Leeds which I felt were completely unsatisfactory. There wasn't any real doubt about which way I should vote.'
On Saturday Leeds United 'welcome' Paul Scally and his football club to Elland Road. The Gills currently occupy a relegation place and must win the game to have any chance of surviving the dreaded drop. Back in September Mr Scally must surely have thought that by supporting the 15 point deduction he was ensuring that his club would get another two big pay-days against the Whites next season. Should Leeds get their way, there will be two divisions separating the clubs come the end of May.
