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In an interview with Spirit Of Shankly John Wheate, Michael Shields' solicitor spoke for the first time about the case and called on Jack Straw to join forces with his legal team to get the conviction quashed in Bulgaria.
In conversation with Peter Hooton, Mr Wheate said convincing Bulgarian courts to clear Michael's name would be the final stage after a Royal Pardon.
He also told of an extraordinary event in which two Bulgarian officials admitted during a coffee-room chat that the conviction of Michael Shields was 'unsafe' immediatley after they took part in a vote relating to the case.
The lawyer, who worked pro-bono to release Michael, has rejected many requests from the national media for an interview but agreed to speak to the Liverpool Supporters' Union Spirit of Shankly.
The fans group played a large role in maintaining the profile of Michael's case and Mr Wheate thanked members of the group.
In a video interview, recorded by Hurricane Films, to be broadcast on the Spirit of Shankly website next week, the Evertonian solicitor praised the "team effort" behind the campaign.
He said: "If it was just legal representatives pushing for Michael's release I doubt he'd be free now."
Peter Hooton, lead singer of The Farm and elected committee member of the Spirit of Shankly posed questions to Mr. Wheate about Michael's case in Studio 2, Parr Street earlier today.
Mr Wheate told how he was compelled to join Shields' fight for justice and joined the case a year after Michael was arrested for a crime he did not commit.
He spoke in great detail about the events at the start of this tragic miscarriage of justice including how Michael was humiliated and chained to a Police Station radiator for 16 hours in public view.
The lawyer called the initial witness identification as "reprehensible" and stated that the case would "never have entered a British court".
He spoke with dignity and compassion towards Martin Georgiev, the victim Michael was wrongly accused of attacking, but questioned the clarity of his evidence.
Mr Wheate said: "Mr Georgiev initially stated to police that he was attacked from behind and fell to the floor unconscious and had no recollection of who hit him.
"But he was then able to pick out Michael from an ID parade. The parade line up only had three other people present, who bared no resemblance whatsoever to Michael. Michael had blonde hair and at the time was slightly overweight but was put next to three Romany types.
"This ID parade came after Michael was charged and after Michael's picture had been all over the Bulgarian press.
"Michael's dad asked me to get involved. I am a criminal lawyer so I needed help.
"I went to Peter Whetherby in Mancheser, who happens to be a Manchester United fan.
"I gave him details of the case to take away and read. He came back to me and said 'John, we need to help this lad'".
Mr Wheate was asked if the unexpected U-turn last week was a political decision. It was suggested that the TUC conference being held in Liverpool this week may have played a part. Mr Wheate wouldn't be drawn on this saying "that's for other people to conclude but it set a good tone for the week".
On Michael's future Wheate was positive: "Peter Weatherby and I will sit down with Michael very soon to talk about clearing his name in Bulgaria.
"It may be that he decides to put it all behind him. But working with the Mr Straw to clear Michael's name is an option to explore."
The full video interview will be sent out to members of the Liverpool Supporters' Union, Spirit of Shankly in the next few days.
For further information on the Spirit of Shankly visit www.spiritofshankly.com
