Whitey Grandad

We didn't need to. Are you really that naive?

Not in public.

Don't be so stupid.

You don't know that.

Likely or not is irrelevant. "Everyone" can think what they like. It's only the EFL that matter. They will certainly have had 'discussions' with the EFL but Solent and the Echo can go whistle. There is nothing to be gained from leaking anything to anybody. "this kid" This person has not been identified, certainly not by Middlesbrough. A name has been suggested, nothing more.

You cannot dispute a charge. Being charged does not make anybody guilty. Any negotiations or debates are never going to be held in the full glare of publicity.

That's the point. He has not been identified publicly and may not even be reachable the moment.

Nope. They've said very little. Which could mean anything from they've got something to hide to they know nothing about it and need time to investigate further.

Or was after a job with another club who might have expressed an interest in one of Middlesbrough's players? It's not so far from Derby, or Birmingham, as it is from here.

This matter has nothing to do with English Law being a case of an agreement between the club and the EFL but in general employment legislation the relationship between employer and employee is known as that between Master and Servant the relevant point being that the Master is responsible for the actions of a Servant even if they have no knowledge of the transgression. This does not apply to contractors.

He is unlikely to have been a 75-year old on a work placement.

And the streets outside would be full of Saints fans regardless.

Me too. In exchange for an early resolution and a fine paid whilst we're still in the EFL.

It's a neutral holding statement.

"No longer works for us" Since last Thursday afternoon or since sometime a couple of weeks ago?