HOLT MEAL DEAL PUTS THE EFL IN A McFLURRY

ONLY the Football League could make such a disproportionate fuss over a visit to McDonald’s. They are investigating Accrington Stanley after owner Andy Holt revealed he buys the team a fast food dinner when they win.

He gives vice-captain Sean McConville £200 to get the nuggets in and usually receives just over £ 20 in change. When Stanley lose, says Holt (below), the players buy their own.

Sounds a harmless practice. A token of appreciation from upstairs and one of the reasons that Stanley have bucked trends to top League Two. Holt has been known to treat fans to a free bar for 10 minutes, too.

When you are the size of Stanley, it pays to keep up spirits. Holt spoke openly about his occasional largesse, not imagining he had done anything wrong. And then he got a letter from the Football League, who view a round at McDonald’s like a bung, rather than a treat. The ‘payment of additional monies’, they are calling it.

Except it isn’t money. It’s dinner — and a cheap one at that. Nobody at Accrington is solely motivated by a happy meal, nobody signs for Holt because he likes milkshake.

Lower league clubs have stopped for fish and chips and the like on the way home from away trips for years. Often the manager, or one of the directors, puts his hand in his pocket for the lads, particularly after a win.

That is what the game is about at that level. If those at the top of the Football League do not know the earthy commodity they have, they should toddle off and let someone else run it.