David Sheepshanks has hit out at the PFA as the players' strike gets nearer and nearer. He said he was no longer a 'dove' with regard to the dispute, but is now a 'hawk'.

Sheepshanks said: "I feel that enough is enough. I've been in the dove camp but in the last few days, I've grown claws and a hooked beak.

"I feel very strongly about this as the Premier League, Football League and Football Association have been silent in terms of propaganda so far and have left Gordon Taylor a clear field to have his say.

"But I have never heard so much misinformation about the true facts of the dispute. What has turned me hawkish is listening to his bluster and invective, being misleading beyond belief at times."

On the crucial issue of the 5% the PFA are claiming Sheepshanks said: "Hand on heart, I have satisfied myself with the legal eagles there is absolutely no mention to a legal entitlement [in TV agreements].

"Where this notion of 5% comes from I don't know. If it's a re-negotiating stance, it might be a good one, but it's all been about the amount, not the percentage.

"The offer of £50 million over three years is an incredibly generous one and the notion that we are trying to destroy the PFA is wrong. There is a widespread recognition of the very good work that the PFA do and hence the big offer."

Photo: Action Images

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