hypochondriac

Imo he's spoken to Gibson who is fully aware that it's unlikely we will get thrown out but he wants his financial pound of flesh for the wrongdoing.

He didn't say that's what we should do, he said that's what it would probably take for Middlesbrough to drop it. We can conclude that it's pretty likely that that figure came from direct discussions with Gibson given he was ringing him on air the day before.

It would but if that were true it would be pretty dumb to drag this all on and potentially unsettle all the players for no reason. That clearly hasn't happened.

We are seeking to mitigate the charge of spying. The idea that this has all come out, that we have a photo of him at the ground, that he's used his bank card with his name at the hotel and that name matches the name of an intern at saints who can be seen in the photo and that we aren't denying it (not a chance would the efl be charging us if the person involved wasn't that employee) and that this is all made up is mental. What possible reason would Adam and Alfie have to lie? You're insane.

If that was really the case then you would have expected us to deny it already. Alfie House I think also said that wasn't true.

I don't think Simon Jordan is anyone's pet. My point was regardless of what you think of Simon Jordan, his allusions on the radio are clearly shaped by having spoke to Gibson directly so we can infer a lot from what he says.

Is this confirmed? Alfie House denied that was the case earlier I believe. I've seen no evidence other than that website to say he isn't still working for the club.

Our intern was at their ground. Alfie House and Adam have both said we aren't contesting it and have admitted privately that it has happened. They will obviously know. I can't see any scenario where we deny that we were spying, even if we try to mitigate things by suggesting he was a lone wolf.

Extremely unlikely given we haven't contested the charges and we are basically bang to rights.

The main realistic outcomes are these: The independent commission recommends that we are kicked out of the playoffs. We will of course appeal, apply for injunctions etc. Under that there is no way that the final will be able to be played without us. Not sure what happens from there, maybe it's delayed but seems unlikely to be sorted quickly. We don't get kicked out and get some other sanction. Clearly in that circumstance Steve Gibson will take legal action against us and along with some sort of sanction we will probably end up having to pay Middlesbrough separately in a settlement to go away. This will probably be a few million and likely to be expensive along with a points deduction next year and a fine to the efl.

There is no verdict. The case hasn't even started yet.

Left in January. Looks like the one.

He said we will have already spoken in the boardroom at the away game so I'm sure we are aware of his terms.

Yeah I agree and Simon Jordan has said as much and he's spoken to Gibson.

Which we would clearly.

I must say I'm quite surprised Middlesbrough haven't just been really quiet about all this until the case is over. All the leaking and all the headlines are obviously being done to maximise the pressure and not any sign of confidence on their part.

Is it the efl who set the penalty or the independent panel? What do you make of the random rumour that there's a paper trail back to spors and we've been engaging in it since the summer?

They submit all the evidence they have to the independent bloke of systemic cheating. They believe it's compelling but it doesn't mean that the independent board will agree.

True. How do you see it playing out? Simon Jordan had spoken to Gibson and suggested we do a private deal with Middlesbrough but it seems things have progressed past that point.

All a bit different now. Reports saying that boro think they have built a compelling case to have us kicked out. That's rather different from some of the reporting over the last few days and is surely subjective.

They won't do what they want. Our lawyers won't let them.

Am not surprised. What's your prediction for how this plays out.

Blimey I agree with soggy!

Yes you might not for that but I won't be staying overnight and I imagine most saints fans will get the train or drive which can be done at the last minute if you're sensible.

Fuck off no it doesn't. Not a chance are they selling you tickets to a playoff final that doesn't happen and then they keep the money.