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United in the dock - September 30th

Leeds will face an FA hearing on September 30th having admitted using an unlicensed agent.

The charge related to the January 31st transfer of Antony Elding (pictured) from Stockport to Leeds.

The man who brokered the deal, Lorenzo Paolo was not registered in compliance with FA rules and Leeds were hit with the charge earlier this month.

However it is hoped that Leeds will escape without a points deduction, but will be hit with a fine instead.

Leeds have requested a personal hearing and I understand that the whites' will argue that although Paolo was not registered, he did not receive any payment for brokering the deal.

Luton were deducted points before a ball was kicked this season, on similar charges. However I believe the Hatters' were guilty of paying unlicensed agents through a third-party and it happened on more than one occasion.

I still struggle to comprehend why someone at Leeds obviously did not know the rules and as for football "agents" doing something for free, we all know that they are some of the biggest leeches in our game - as the old saying goes, there is no such thing are a free-lunch!

Also it seems ironic that Elding turned out to be a total misfit and has since been hastily moved on to Crewe. I must stress that his move to Gresty Road was all above board and legit.

Lets hope for mercy from the notoriously anti-Leeds FA. Lets hope the fact that no cash actually changed hands and Leeds swiftly owned up to the offence will go in our favour come Tuesday week.

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