Appeal Verdict Nears

Last updated : 08 August 2007 By Kevin Markey
Ken Bates, it was confirmed today, has shown he means business by sending a letter to each club denying that any rules have been broken.

But the League's chairman, Lord Mawhinney, has also written to the clubs reminding them of the far-reaching implications tomorrow's vote could have.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has obtained copies of both letters which are available here online in full.

To read Ken Bates's letter to the Football League chairmen in full click here.

To read Lord Mawhinney's letter to the Football League chairmen in full click here.

One of the chairmen who will shape the course of United's 2007-08 campaign said it was impossible to predict how the vote would go.

He also told the YEP, however: "If anything might sway us in Leeds's favour, then I suspect it will be the notion that deducting so many points will unfairly punish the fans."

The appeal will get under way at 10.30am tomorrow in central London. The various chairmen were not due to be informed of the exact location for the meeting until this afternoon.

Details of the venue have been held back in an attempt to stop the talks turning into a media circus and to try to head off any prospect of a protest by Leeds fans.

A straight majority will be needed to win the vote, which could see United's penalty upheld, reduced, quashed or even increased.