U's players back points petition

Oxford's players are set to back a fans petition demanding that the Football Conference overturns its decision to dock points from four clubs.

United, Crawley, Mansfield and Bognor Regis have all been punished for using unregistered players.

Nearly 3,000 fans of the affected clubs have signed the online petition since its creation.

The petition will be handed in person to the Conference this week ahead of the internal review of its procedures.

By holding this review the Conference is acknowledging that its systems have not been fit for purpose

Ox Vox chairman Trevor Lambert

Unlike many leagues, the Conference currently has no online facility to check that player registration forms have been received and processed.

U's midfielder Eddie Hutchinson, who has been at the club since 2006, played for 13 matches at the start of the Blue Square Premier season before the clerical error came to light - causing the Conference to deduct them five points.

Trevor Lambert, chairman of the Oxford United supporters' group Ox Vox, is one of those who would like to see changes in the Conference's administration procedures.

"By holding this review the Conference is acknowledging that its systems have not been fit for purpose," said Lambert.

"We urge fans to unite to persuade them to see the logic of returning the points to all four clubs. And to supporters of clubs not immediately affected, please support this appeal - it could be your club next."