INSIDE SPORT: How Leeds’ promotion push could affect the Rangers takeover, why the National League could soon have three promotion spots and how Watford uniquely approached crowd safety

Mail Sport reported last week how a group of US investors headed by Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe had no concerns that their prospective takeover of Rangers would be dashed by rules on dual ownership.

Indeed, there is optimism on both sides that a deal, which would need SFA approval, will be concluded between April and June. The belief stems from the make-up of the consortium which sees Marathe combine with several fellow US business people who have no involvement with San Francisco 49ers Enterprises, owners of the Elland Road club.

However, such a move is also likely to need the green light from the EFL, for as long as Leeds remain outside the Premier League.

Current EFL regulations forbid associations or dual interests with clubs in a number of competitions including the Premier League and the Scottish Professional League.

Those involved can ask for permission from the EFL board, a prospect which is understood to be unlikely.

However, clubs are due to discuss the regulations at the EFL’s divisional meetings this week, where there may well be an appetite for change. Should that not be the case, the blue half of Glasgow may well end up monitoring the Championship promotion race closely.

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe is part of a consortium aiming to take over the Glasgow club

Backlash after Inglis’ English ties questioned 

Interesting behaviour from Cole Hitchcock, the Australian media manager, following Leeds lad Josh Inglis smashing a brilliant 120* in their victory over England. 

According to those present in Pakistan, not a single person suggested that Inglis, who left Yorkshire just shy of his 15th birthday, should not be playing for Australia. 

Instead, he was asked if he recalled saying in an interview with Mail Sport eight years ago that he still supported England but was trying to play for his adopted country. A perfectly legitimate question and one which Inglis was happy to answer, before enquiring over how his beloved Coventry City had fared.

Sadly, not that everyone thought so. Hitchcock took to social media to start listing the names of England players and to bemoan the ‘extraordinary’ line of questioning from ‘English media’. 

When another journalist, based in Australia, questioned whether Inglis’ latent northern English accent had suddenly become more pronounced in a post-match interview, Hitchcock responded: ‘Stokes, Bethell, Archer, Salt, Carse?’ The Ashes could be fun.

Australia media manager Cole Hitchcock hit out over questions surrounding Josh Inglis’ support of his home country

Officials ponder National League promotion overhaul

The topic of three up, three down from the National League has found itself on the agenda at the EFL’s summit this week.

Officials at the Football Supporters’ Association have launched a poll of its members over whether they support the campaign, while on Sunday morning National League made an appeal to all fans to contact the EFL and its clubs ahead of the meeting as they ramp up their drive to add a long-overdue extra promotion place.

It is to be hoped that the EFL and its clubs do the right thing – and correct what is a preposterous and unfair situation.

The EFL are set to discuss plans to add a third promotion place for clubs in the National League

Watford take unique approach to crowd safety

Watford took the unusual step of asking home fans, rather than away supporters, to stay inside the ground following the final whistle of their derby clash with Luton Town. 

Hornets officials set out pre-planned routes to ensure rival fans did not mix after the Championship match. 

Those who did not wish to stick to the routes were told they could wait in their seats for an announcement that Vicarage Road – used by away fans to exit – had been reopened. 

Kiosks for refreshments were also left open.