Leeds call-off inconvenient

Mar 18 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN chairman Ken Davy says he’s “very disappointed” at the enforced rescheduling of Town’s big derby with Leeds.

The Elland Road side should have visited the Galpharm a week tonight.

But the all-ticket game has been put back to Tuesday, April 15 because of international call-ups for Leeds players.

“I’m very disappointed that the fixture has been changed at such short notice,” said Davy.

“We acknowledge and understand that a match can be rescheduled if three or more players are called up for international duty from one team.

“But it is our loyal supporters who are going to be inconvenienced by this.

“Many have made special plans to travel from all over the country for this local derby, and some have booked flights from abroad.”

Meanwhile a top sports lawyer rates Leeds’ chances of having their 15-point deduction overturned as “25 to 30%”.

An independent arbitration panel will decide on the Football League’s sanction to punish Town’s League I rivals the points for breaching their rules on insolvency in mid-April.

Leeds, who visit Town on Tuesday, April 15, claim the penalty imposed by the League was unlawful.

They also claim the decision by the other clubs to dismiss their subsequent appeal against the sanction was also unlawful, that the penalty was a disproportionate sanction and that the League have punished the club for the conduct of its administrators, KPMG.

Lawyer Richard Kramer, who has seen the original High Court writ, which is a public document, said: “A few weeks ago I thought it was bleak for Leeds.

“But having seen the legal documents I think the prospects have improved. I think there’s probably a 25-30% chance of them winning. It’s a very well presented case.”

Leeds were left 10th in the table, two points off the play-off zone, by Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Port Vale, who equalised in stoppage time.