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Football League warned clubs to avoid Bob Higgins' academy but coach named in sexual abuse allegations carried on working in the game

The Football League wrote to every club to warn them about Bob Higgins, the former Southampton youth coach named in allegations of sexual abuse of children.

In a letter sent to all managers in 1989, the League said they were opposed to the Bob Higgins Soccer Academy and urged 'all clubs which might be thinking of becoming involved to give this office the opportunity of appraising them of the situation before taking any steps in this direction'.

Higgins was cleared of sexual abuse charges in 1992 but has been accused of abusing boys in the Eighties.

u00a0The Football League wrote to every club to warn them about Bob Higgins and his academy
The Football League wrote to every club to warn them about Bob Higgins and his academy
Higgins with former footballers Ray (left) and Rodney Wallace during his time at Southampton, there is no suggestion that either of these players were abused
Higgins with former footballers Ray (left) and Rodney Wallace during his time at Southampton, there is no suggestion that either of these players were abused
Football League secretary at the time, David Dent, signed the letter
Football League secretary at the time, David Dent, signed the letter

The letter was signed by David Dent, the Football League secretary at the time.