JIMMY HILL, the Fulham chairman, yesterday revealed that the Second Division club had agreed a deal to lease Craven Cottage for the next 10 years - during which time the club will have an opportunity to buy the ground for pounds 8m.

After the deal was agreed with the Royal Bank of Scotland, the ground's owners, Hill said: 'It is not VE Day but it is like El Alamein. It has been a big battle but we have come through it and we are now going in a new direction.'

Barnet could be thrown out of the Football League unless they take prompt action to streamline their administration. The Third Division leaders face a second investigation into their financial affairs even if they now pay an overdue pounds 50,000 fine.

A Football League commission fined Barnet last November for financial irregularities. It has yet to be paid. The League yesterday issued a statement saying they are 'taking steps' to ensure payment and are unconvinced Barnet's affairs are now in order.

If Barnet are unable to satisfy the League, they would almost certainly be summoned before another commission which would have the power to expel them. Barry Fry, the club manager, said: 'We're living on a time-bomb.'

Duncan Horton, Barnet's PFA representative, has had two meetings with the Underhill chairman, Stan Flashman, this week over money allegedly owed to Andy Pape, Paul Showler, Paul Wilson and Mick Bodley.

Cash-starved Doncaster Rovers have been taken over by Dinard Trading Limited, a company registered in the Isle of Man.