I'm still worried...

[lesliemoss]

The Sheffield Utd appeal is still making a lot of noise, and while I think the facts (as we have been given them) seem to be on our side, their PR efforts have been very good.
My problem is that I have absolutely no faith in the intestinal fortitude of the Premier League hierarchy, and I'm concerned that they might not defend their earlier decision with the kind of strength it needs.
Also, I know that the Hammers' management has been very quiet so far, and I wonder how confident they are about the final outcome? If the decision upholds the Hammers' situation, then it doesn't matter whether or not the Blades go to the EU, as they apparently have said they'll do to get compensated. If the decision gets reversed, then the Hammers will surely sue!
Meantime, I'm still worried!

[LAIrons]

In Norwaytips's bruvver i trust......................but Taylors comments are ill timed and ill advised. The last thing we need is the weak willed beginning to think that there is support in doubting the ruling of the orrigonal panel.

[claret50]

Another thing to consider is the fact that the new season's fixture list is due out today, now this list has been compiled by the PL in consultation with the Police, (mainly for starting times of local derby's) also with television for coverage of the forthcoming games, and a host of other important issues regarding the announcement of the fixtures, I honestly do not think that the appeal by SU has a leg to stand on with this. (fingers crossed)

[PSURoss]

I think this all about Sheffield recouping as much money as possible. With the close season in full swing, swapping around who was relegated prolly isn't practical.

[west_ham]

On thing that has really become apparent to me during all his is just how easy it is to convince peoplethat you have a case of grievance when you really don't. All it takes is clever use of the press and plenty of whining without categorically stating your case. I find that quite scary.

As for Taylor's comments, I thought he sat on the fence just a bit. He stated that he thought Sheff Utd had a case and then went on to say that the real offenders should be punished i.e. Brown and Co (he didn't mention their names). This is what our punishment enables us to do. I think the papers sensationalised his comments again and homed in on the one comment which would make news.

As for the fixture list I read a comment today that highlighted the fact that both West Ham's and Sheff Utd's home and away fixtures coincide, thus making it easier for us both to swap fixtures should Sheff Utd be reinstated. The obvious question being 'is this simply precautionary action taken by the PL or do they think there is a realistic chance Sheff Utd might be reinstated?'.

Really unless the PL buckle under the pressure then we don't have anything to worry about. The PL know that the situation will only get worse if they do buckle and the precedent that it will set for the future will create yet more nightmare cases. It's better for them as well if this arbitration puts the whole thing to bed and they have the facts to build a strong case for this. Incidently I have heard very little said about Alan Sugar's successful apeal on the grounds of new ownership. Somehow no-one seems to care about this precedent.

Sheff Utd have been very blinkered during this whole thing and let's not forget the appallling job the press have made on reporting this whole thing accurately. I am still confident that the outcome of this arbitration will not affect us and that Sheff Utd are only interested in gaining some compensation out of it all.

[PSURoss]

Even if the schedules are all lined up and could be swapped around, there is still a ton of business which has or hasn't been conducted, predicated on the 2 clubs status.

[Chadwell]

I'm getting less and less worried.

I saw this today and realized that it would have been very easy for the league to hold off on releasing the fixture list until the 19th if they felt there was any chance of further action.

Fixtures release rubs salt in Sheff Utd wounds (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=438638&cc=5901)

"Top-flight chiefs are so confident next week's arbitration panel will not rule against the Blades' relegation that they have decided not to postpone the fixtures until after the hearing."

Now, what are the odds on a West Ham/Sheffield Utd. draw in the FA Cup? :D

[PSURoss]

The EU has declined to get involved. I wonder if we'll now see a landslide of governing bodies run from this rotten case.

[norwaytips]

Load of old bollox. Not a chance in 'ell.:rolleyes: