Players' wage deferrals keep Leeds afloat

LEEDS chairman Trevor Birch yesterday demanded a united front from all within Elland Road after securing the club's future until the end of the season.

On the day the other Premier League chairmen announced a nine-point penalty for any club which falls into the hands of the administrators, with the rule coming into force from June 3, Birch has staved off such an imminent threat thanks to the players.

Just nine days ago, the senior members of the United squad rejected proposals for a 35% deferral with the Professional Footballers' Association's 30% request also snubbed following an apparently vociferous meeting at Leeds' Thorp Arch training complex.