Planet Swans ArchivesSome fans have sent e-mails to the Football League and been advised that they cannot confirm our promotion until the end of the season – they can only confirm the table as it stands now in view of Leeds hearing to get back their 15 points.
And now the Western Mail have taken these comments and turned it into an article – only five days after they declared the Swans promoted wrongly in an article on Saturday morning.
The Western Mail contacted league communications chief John Nagle to try and clarify the situation. He confirmed his colleague’s stance, saying, “Promotion and relegation are not statuses that are conferred on teams officially until the end of the season and the summer AGM.
“The only thing the Football League can confirm is the league table as it stands.”
Told that on the league’s official website they stated only yesterday that Aldershot had been promoted to League Two, Mr Nagle replied, “That’s an editorial decision.”
Now if Leeds get back their fifteen points then the Swans would be one victory again away from promotion – the same as they are now from the title. Some fans have taken the league's stance as an indication that they plan to give Leeds back all their points – others have taken it as just a red tape decision based on the fact it may happen but the chances are that it won't.
If that of course does happen then the league can prepare themselves for a summer full of counter proceeding – probably not from Swansea – but from the likes of Carlisle and Doncaster who will be shoved down the pecking order with just three games remaining. Whether the deduction of Leeds' points are right or wrong it seems equally as mad to change the decision now when it has been fought against for so long by the League. Hence, why it probably won't happen.
Swansea manager Roberto Martinez though is philosophical about the whole thing although he doesn't believe that the Yorkshire side deserve a full point refund
“Leeds are in a play-off position and I think they should remain in a play-off position,” said the Swans manager.
“If anything else happens, you won’t have heard the last of it because teams like Tranmere, Southend, Nottingham Forest, Doncaster, Carlisle and ourselves will be affected.
“Everyone will take their own route and it would be a massive war. I think Leeds may get some points back.
“But it would be unfair from a football point of view if their position in the table suddenly changed and, if I’m honest, I can’t see that happening.
“If the decision changes their league position this will be like another Bosman ruling. It would be a unique moment in football history and I don’t think that would be the end of it.”
“The Football League will take whatever decision it sees fit and we will abide by it. Whatever happens is out of our control and there is nothing we can do.
“We always thought we would get enough points to win this league because we are the best team in it – and we still do.”
A decision is expected on Friday at which point the club can celebrate promotion – again!
But as far as we are concerned – promotion is confirmed already. Let's look on the positive side – that is backing the Swans on their achievements to date, not always looking for the negatives
