50 MPs back Blades fight
SHEFFIELD United will have the support of almost 50 MPs when they attempt to overturn their relegation to the Championship later this month.
The Bramall Lane club's appeal against the FA Premier League's decision not to deduct West Ham points following the Carlos Tevez affair will enter its most critical phase when a panel of independent arbitrators start considering the legality of that judgement on June 18.
United argue that by allowing Alan Curbishley's side to escape with a £5.5m fine, they gave the Londoners an unfair advantage during last season's scramble to avoid the drop.
Hollywood star Sean Bean is set to lead a delegation of officials and fans to the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday and United's 'Campaign for Fairness" has struck such a chord in Westminster that an Early Day Motion tabled by Clive Betts has now attracted 44 signatures with the promise of more to follow.
Although EDMs are rarely debated in chamber, the strength of opinion United's plight is generating outside of sporting circles will provide huge encouragement for plc chairman Kevin McCabe as he spearheads a fight with the potential to dramatically alter England's footballing landscape.
David Blunkett, Dr Vincent Cable, Austin Mitchell and Ann Cryer are among the prominent names who have lent their backing to motion 1464 while a previous EDM spoke of its "disgust" at the FAPL's failure to impose a heavier punishment.
United's preparations for arbitration have overshadowed the tug-of-war for Phil Jagielka's services with Everton understood to be confident of imminently securing his signature for around £4m. Middlesbrough are also said to be lining up talks with him next week. Wigan and Birmingham are also interested.
The England B international has informed new manager Bryan Robson that he would prefer to continue his career in the top-flight.
