League appoints top lobbyist
Top political lobbyist Kevin Bell has been hired by the Football League in a move designed to increase pressure on ITV Digital owners Carlton and Granada.
He was appointed following a three-hour meeting with League officials yesterday.
It will be Bell's job to persuade Government ministers and local MPs to put pressure on Carlton and Granada to pay the £178 million its ailing digital offshoot ITV Digital owes the League's 72 clubs.
A League spokesman said: "We want to use whatever tools we can to turn up the heat on Carlton and Granada and make them realise that when they sign a contract they should honour it."
The League wants Bell to target local MPs who represent the communities served by its 72 member clubs. Officials estimate a third of teams would be forced out of business if ITV Digital is switched off without a deal being done.
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