Oxford chairman Thomas has called for an indepedent review

Oxford chairman Kelvin Thomas said he is disappointed with the Conference's review of its operation after four clubs were docked points.

Oxford, Crawley Town, Mansfield Town and Bognor Regis were punished for fielding unregistered players.

Thomas told BBC Oxford: "It should have been caught sooner. We feel the Conference have got some responsibility in that.

"We're a bit disappointed. It's a bit of a whitewash."

In a statement after the Conference's internal review, the league's chairman Brian Lee said: "The review sub-committee are satisfied that all the necessary office systems are in place but will continue to monitor and observe any new procedures being developed in the national game."

I am writing to the Conference and the Football Association saying this is the time for an independent inquiry into the procedures of the Conference Kelvin Thomas

But Thomas disputes that was the case at the start of the season and he believes random checks on team sheets are not adequate.

"I am writing to the Conference and the Football Association saying this is the time for an independent inquiry into the procedures of the Conference," he said.

Asked whether general manager Mick Brown is considering stepping down from the Conference Board in the wake of the saga, Thomas added: "We haven't made a firm decision and are talking right now about what to do.

"We like to make measured decisions but it is one of the considerations."

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