By Jon Colman

Last updated at 09:21, Friday, 18 April 2008

Carlisle United have underlined their faith in the Football League over Leeds’ 15-point appeal which enters its final day today.

The Blues stand to lose the most if the Yorkshire club are successful in the independent tribunal as Leeds would overtake them in the second automatic promotion place with the return of the 15 points.

United have not prepared any legal comeback of their own if the hearing rules in Leeds’ favour, with Carlisle managing director John Nixon simply saying the club is confident in the League’s handling of the case.

“We have full confidence in the Football League and we are backing them 100 per cent with the stance they are taking,” said Nixon.

“They have done all the right things at the right time. We voted that the Football League dealt with this the proper way from the start, and we have full confidence in their management and processes.

“Whatever will be will be, and if we need to discuss it once the result is known we will talk about it at director level.”

Doncaster, who go to Leyton Orient tomorrow, say they are keeping all their options open until the three-man arbitration panel makes their decision public, with an announcement expected early next week.

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez predicted “war” would break out in the division if Leeds get any points back while United boss John Ward said the episode has brough embarrassment on the game.

Ward has no new injury worries ahead of tomorrow’s clash with fifth-placed Southend, who are unbeaten in 12 games. But captain Paul Thirlwell is not yet deemed ready for a first-team return despite playing 90 minutes as United beat Penrith Town 2-0 on Wednesday night to clinch the Cumberland Cup, courtesy of a Gary Madine brace.

“Carlisle and Southend are two good teams playing good football and this is a good place to be on Saturday,” said Ward. “Although it doesn’t carry the fashionable names like Leeds and Nottingham Forest, it is an attractive game and an important game, and to get 10,000 here would be another good addition to what we are trying to do.”

Paul Huntington made a personal 20-minute phone call to United number two Greg Abbott to apologise for his behaviour in last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at Elland Road.

Leeds’ Carlisle-born defender repeatedly made offensive gestures at the travelling Carlisle fans, sparking a huge backlash in his home city with some angry fans threatening to kill the 20-year-old.

“He has been in touch with Greg and offered his apologies personally,” said Ward. “I understand the annoyance but the young man was very apologetic, and the man who has never made a mistake hasn’t been born yet.

“What happened is finished and when the young man comes back to Carlisle let’s forgive and forget. That’s big behaviour. It’s too easy to aim threats. He has got family over here and he’s obviously concerned for them. That shouldn’t become an issue. Let’s move on.”

First published at 19:38, Thursday, 17 April 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk