Angry chairman makes a song and dance

An incensed Mandaric accused a small section of Foxes fans of poisoning the club after they sang: “there’s only one Martin Allen” at the Carling Cup second-round tie .

Mandaric saw it as an insult to himself and new boss Gary Megson, and he has set up a special meeting at the Walkers Stadium on Thursday to offer fans the chance to explain.

He said on the club website, lcfc.co.uk: “It is not up to me to tell the fans what to sing.

“But do these people think, in all seriousness, that Martin Allen is a more important issue than the club they have supported for years?

“I do not. I do not understand why they sang it and I am finding it hard to forget.”

Leeds hope to learn this week whether their appeal against their 15-point deduction is likely to be heard by an independent review panel.

Chairman Ken Bates asked the Football Association to intervene after the Football League hit Leeds with an unprecedented 15-point penalty for financial irregularities just before the season.

Leeds’ appeal will be discussed at an FA board meeting on Monday, but Soho Square chiefs are not expected to make a ruling on whether the penalty should be reduced.

The FA does not have jurisdiction to overrule a Football League decision, but could recommend a review by an independent panel.

Bates said: “Whether you agree or disagree with the outcome of the Tevez case, at least it was made by an independent tribunal, not by 64 self-interested competitors.”

Cheltenham manager John Ward is ‘absolutely delighted’ that defender Michael Townsend, aged 21, agreed a three-year contract to keep him at Whaddon Rd until 2010.

A Football League tribunal has ruled that Northampton must pay Mansfield a package worth up to 70,000 for midfielder Giles Coke.

Peterborough have completed the loan signing of Luton defender Sol Davis.