Planet Swans ArchivesIn a move certain to take BBC Leeds off his Christmas card receipt list as well as BBC Wales James uses his column in the Evening Post to claim that Leeds' hearing is "A big black cloud hanging over League One"
He also expresses sympathy for the likes of Carlisle, Doncaster, Nottingham Forest and Southend who go into the final two games of the season potentially having seen the work of 44 games undone by people in suits.
James said "Leeds' ongoing arbitration hearing cast a huge cloud over Swansea's title celebrations last weekend and it looks likely to again this Saturday.
"It's a disgrace that the League won't let Swansea be presented with the League One trophy after their match with Leyton Orient. Now they will probably receive it after the final league match of the season at Brighton where only 900 supporters will be there to enjoy it.
"Celebrations after the loss to Yeovil were a bit of an anti climax and Saturday will be the same. It's difficult for the players and supporters to know how to react. On the one hand they're almost certainly League One champions but there's still that slight doubt.
"Players should go into the game knowing they'll life the trophy at the end but everyone is in limbo
"This hearing is like a big black cloud hanging over League One, but it could be worse, Swansea could be one of the teams that will be overtaken by Leeds if they get their points reinstated.
"My real sympathy is with clubs like Carlisle, Doncaster, Nottingham Forest and Southend who don't know where they stand as regards the promotion race.
"These teams have got every right to hit the roof if Leeds get their points back because they could have an entire season's work washed away.
"I wonder if the uncertainty is behind Carlisle's poor recent form because this sort of turmoil does affect players on the field. Anybody that tells you off field matters don't impact on players has never been around a football club.
"My belief is that all this should have been settled months ago and on the football field, not in the court room.
"Unfortunately the continuing speculation has taken a lot of the sheen off what has been a great season for the Swans.
"I don't see an end to it and other affected teams are not going to lie down and accept Leeds getting their points back.
"I firmly believe that Swansea are comfortably the best team in the league. It would be an absolute disgrace if they didn't get their just rewards for that.
"But even if the decision goes in Leeds' favour on May 1 I'm confident that Swansea will finish above them. Everybody in the division knows Swansea are this year's League One champions and I'm sure it will be their name that eventually ends up on the Championship trophy."
