Oxford United Football Club chairman Kelvin Thomas has released the following statement on the club's official website in response to a fine and five point deduction issued today for fielding an illegible player, Eddie Hutchinson, earlier this season.

Mr Thomas said: "We defended our case. However, the decision by the Football Conference panel was a fine of £500, with a further fine of £3,500 suspended until May 2010 and a five point deduction.

"We are deeply disappointed with the penalty imposed and feel there are major issues surrounding the administrative procedures of the league which must be addressed.

"A decision to appeal will be made within the forteen day time frame allowed, once we have considered the full written reasons of the panel."