The good news is that the Football League have given Leeds the golden share back, so we can finally begin to plan for the new season. The bad news is that we have been deducted 15 points.

The Football League accepted there were "exceptional circumstances" but stressed they could not allow Leeds to operate outside the strict rules concerning administration. Their statement said "The Football League Board agreed that, notwithstanding the manner in which this administration has been conducted, the club should be permitted to continue in the Football League. Consequently, the board has decided to make use of the 'exceptional circumstances' provision within the League's insolvency policy, for the first time, and agreed to transfer the club's share in The Football League to Leeds United 2007 Ltd.

Accordingly, the club's share has now been transferred. However, it is acknowledged the club did go into administration and has been unable to comply with the terms of the League's well-established insolvency policy. As a result, the board determined this transfer of membership should be subject to Leeds United having a 15-point deduction applicable from the beginning of the 2007/08 season. Leeds subsequently have lodged an appeal against this sanction, which will be heard at a special meeting of all League clubs, to be arranged in due course."

Ken Bates said "We are delighted we are back in the league. We are surprised it has taken so long. We intend to appeal against the 15-point deduction because we have still to have an explanation for that." While Ray Fell, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Club, told Sky News that the supporters were "shattered, but we're shattered every day at Elland Road. "The only good news is that we will be able to compete in the league but the fans are bewildered by it all. It's a recipe for relegation."

I suppose that the 15 point penalty is better than being thrown out of the league, but it looks like the League are making it up as they go along, as there is nothing in their rules to allow for this penalty. And though the club is now free to sign players, it remains to be seen whether any decent players will want to come to Leeds for a relegation fight.

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