Town chairman David Sheepshanks has reiterated his stance that the FA should get behind the Nationwide League clubs as they continue their attempts to persuade ITV Digital's parent companies to pay the remainder of the cash they owe them.

The Town chairman, with perhaps an eye on where the Blues may find themselves next season, said: "I haven't heard a word from the FA on the subject. I really hope they will take some leadership and use their influence to get them to pay up."

Sheepshanks also says he feels the names of Carlton and Granada, ITV Digital's parent cpompanies, would be "mud" if they failed to pay up the £178 million owed to League clubs.

He added: "I really fear for the game if we are
entering an era whereby respected PLCs can wind-up companies if they don't fancy the values paid for sports rights.

"What I find most unpalatable is not only the decision to pull the plug but the spin which suggests this is the Football League's fault for having negotiated such a good deal. That is absolutely nauseous."

Sheepshanks was part of the Football League team which negotiated the deal, although he was not party to the final stages due to Town's promotion to the Premiership.

In a related development ITV Digital has promised to pay Premiership clubs £25 million owed for pay-per-view games.

Photo: Action Images

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