orient make leeds points threat

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Orient make Leeds points threat

Leyton Orient manager Martin Ling has threatened legal action if their promotion bid is hit by any reduction to Leeds United's 15-point penalty.
He said: "If we finish sixth and lose the final play-off spot to Leeds on a courtroom appeal, we'd be straight back in court."

Speaking to the Daily mail, he added: "The whole episode would drag on."

Orient are currently ninth in the League One table, level on points with Leeds, but behind on goal difference.

Leeds are appealing against the Football League's decision to dock them points on the eve of the season for breaching their rules on insolvency.

The hearing will be held in private in front of a neutral Court of Appeal judge, and one representative each from Leeds United and the Football League.

I'll sit back and take notice of what people are saying but my job is here is to get us out of this division and win points

Leeds manager Gary McAllister

Should Leeds have all 15 points returned, they would jump from eighth to second in the table as it stands.

Ling said: "My big gripe with any change now is that we've been involved in a race all season in which Leeds have been 15 points behind us all.

"Indeed, we've factored that into all our plans."

Leeds manager Gary McAllister though, is concentrating on matters on the field.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: "My philosophy will be not to get involved in it at all.

"I'll sit back and take notice of what people are saying but my job here is to get us out of this division and win points, so as much as I won't respond, I will be taking note."

A United spokesman told the club website: "As long as this matter is resolved by the end of the season, the outcome will be decided purely on performances on the pitch which surely must be the right place.

"It is difficult to believe that any club has not tried to win every game this season.

"We are seeking for on-the-field performances to be the only deciding factor in terms of promotion and relegation."

The two sides drew 1-1 when they met at Elland Road in October, and meet again at Brisbane Road at the beginning of April.

On the pitch, Leeds are in contract discussions with Angolan international defender Rui Marques, whose contract expires this summer.

[MKOrient]

bad move by Ling
but club have already said that they were his comments & not the clubs
it shud make the atmosphere at orient v leeds that extra bit intimidating
i think it's right they were deducted the points cos Bates knew wot he was doing, trying to avoid their debts

i dont have a problem with leeds fans, but everyone is against Bates
i will be at the game on april 5th & hope the points issue is resolved by then

[Beefy]

Bates argument is that we were deducted 10 points last season for administration, he's okay with that. It's the extra 15 points this season that he's the problem with, why can't the hearing be done in public, Bates wants it, it's the league that don't. If it was done in the open then everyone would know what's happened and the case could finally be put to bed cos everyone is fed up with it

[jayp]

at the moment there are about 5 or 6 clubs in admin, generally fans feel sorry for these clubs. why are leeds different. i would not like to see any club go to the wall. foot ball needs sorting financialy or we will start to loose clubs soon.