And here we were thinking that everyone was against us! Seemingly not... On the day that Leeds United's appeal against their 15 point deduction for breaching Football League insolvency rules was rejected, the 'black sheep' of football was welcomed back into the most disfunctional collective since the days of the Addams Family. Morticia Addams, today played by Football League chairman Lord Mahwinney, attempted to draw a wonky line under the whole sordid affair.
Her, sorry his, statement read: 'On behalf of the Board and the League I welcome the panel's findings in its entirety. It has found that the actions we took were reasonable and appropriate in these unprecedented circumstances and that we had the power to act as we did. Now I believe we should draw a line under the whole process.'
(It is unclear whether the next part of the statement was read with tongue in cheek) 'Leeds United are a valued member of the Football League family. We should all now get back to the business of football and enjoy the climax to what has already been an exciting season.'
So apparently all is well in the world again. Leeds United in the play-offs is sure to be a huge money-spinner for the Football League, and the rest of their 'family'. However, United and their supporters will not be taken in by their new found friends, for, as Julius Caesar found out to his cost, there are backstabbers in every 'family'. As we enter the play-offs it seems the siege-mentality that has served the club so well is our only real ally. Leeds United against the world is the order of the day. So, thank you for patronising comments Sir, but we'll take our chances on our own.
