A Football League tribunal is now hearing Blackpool’s scandalous allegation that we nicked their manager.

A three-man arbitration panel has been appointed by the League, and is meeting today at a neutral venue in Manchester. Blackpool are claiming that Leeds made an illegal approach before Simon Grayson resigned as Blackpool manager in December. 

Seasiders’ chairman Karl Oyston told the Blackpool Gazette "Leeds have obviously put themselves at risk by what we consider to be an illegal approach, as well as the breach of contract that they have induced in our manager. I have no particular trepidation going into this hearing and I will comment fully after the panel has heard the evidence and made its judgment. But Leeds stole our manager and made an illegal approach, inducing him to breach his contract, and that is a fact."

Actually, it’s an allegation rather than a fact. Leeds position is that we made an initial approach through the proper channels. Blackpool turned it down, but chose to publicise the face that the approach had been made on their official website. When Grayson heard about our interest he wanted to come to Elland Road, not only because he wanted the challenge of managing a bigger club, but because he is a lifelong supporter of Leeds United.

Oyston refused to accept his resignation but Grayson resigned anyway, and Leeds then appointed him on the basis he was a free agent. Oyston has refused Leeds’ offer of compensation, describing it as "not worth talking about", and is believed to be demanding a sum of around £200,000.  

The hearing is due to finish this afternoon and we await the verdict with baited breath. 

Photo: Action Images

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