Paul Knott

My life is what i enjoy, my family, my business, Sholing Football club

[Paul Knott @P88K]

Football Karma @HullCity congratulations.

[Henry Winter @henrywinter]

Southampton have to go into full Mea Culpa mode. Written reasons into Spygate are so damning. “Junior members of staff were put under pressure to carry out activities which they felt were, at the least, morally wrong.” Shameful. No more arrogance, no more passive-aggressive statements. Just front up.

Club rightly and widely vilified for the conduct of some within over Spygate and for the inept handling of the fall-out. Only when Tonda Eckert goes can the rebuilding of a damaged reputation begin. Only when the owner Dragan Solak addresses a fans’ forum, takes fans’ questions, and also address widespread external criticism can any trust or respect begin to return. Club cannot put CEO Phil Parsons up for interview following his misguided statement on the day of the appeal. He’s damaged.

Solak has to talk: to restore some faith amongst shocked staff; to persuade those fans thinking of not renewing season tickets or memberships to give them another chance; to give angry fans hope that their club has someone competent at the helm of a listing ship; and perhaps to dissuade some players from jumping ship.

Also, from a commercial perspective, Solak has to reassure sponsors: 19 partners, including a bank, law company and GPS-tracking company and 13 regional partners who may, understandably, worry about the damage to the club and to themselves by association. It's a long road back for Saints and it has to start with Solak leading the way. #SaintsFC

[slbsn @slbsn]

🚨Southampton's appeal prospects do not look good - some thoughts
1. It is very hard to properly assess Southampton's chances of a successful appeal because 1) there is little guidance in the EFL Regs about the acceptable grounds for Disciplinary Appeals and 2) because we have no insight as to how the Commission arrived at the sanction without the written reasons. But I will try.
2. It is likely that the sanctions already include a discount for the admission by Southampton of all charges. This means the starting point was potentially even higher - perhaps 1-2 more points or a fine as well.
3. Southampton are unlikely to have much scope for arguing that other mitigation was not taken into account or underweighted.
4. Southampton have nowhere to go on there being a sporting sanction - it is a clear case where there must be a sporting sanction of some sort so that means a minimum of points.
5. It is likely the EFL successfully argued the Play Offs are a distinct competition, meaning expulsion was the only option for those breaches. Given Swindon, this is again a challeging argument to win.
6. So that probably leaves Southampton relying on an overarching argument that, taken as a whole, the sanctions are evidently and grossly disproportionate.
7. That is not the same as a Disciplinary Appeal feeling the sanction is excessive. Should it conclude that the sanction was one open to the Commission and within the reasonable range, the Appeal is unlikely to interfere with the decision.
8. My personal view is that such draconian and far reaching sanctions do not match the sporting advantage gained. Not all cheating is the same nor does it all have the same consequence. On any basis, a rule that is not breached 73 hours before a game but is from 72 hours can't be said to be the most serious offence. Nor can spying be so serious when many clubs take no precautions to hide their training sessions. But my view is irrelevant.
9. It is, however, hard to see strong prospects for Southampton to overturn the expulsion decision.

[slbsn @slbsn]

🚨🤓 Southampton Spygate personal view:
1. Expect the breaches will be straightforward to establish (ie liability) and almost certainly admitted to try and get some sanction credit/discount
2. Expect aggravating factors such as other examples of Soton spying this year to be raised
3. Fundamental question of how serious a breach of rule 127 and good faith is will be key. We know good faith alone was £200k in the Leeds case. The new rule makes it worse and spying obviously seeks a sporting advantage - why else do it? So that does point to sporting sanction of some sort
4. Being thrown out of the Play Offs appears excessive especially given Southampton finished 7 points clear of 6th and 9 clear of 7th
5. A 3-0 in the first leg would have been an option again excessive retrospectively unless 2nd leg re-playable (not feasible)
6. More likely sanction is points deduction next season in the Championship as much as that won't help Middlesboro
7. Unlikely that the PL will take a points deduction recommendation from the EFL (no fixed rule) - doubt EFL will push for it, so would apply in first season back in Championship (when and if)
8. My best guess is SIX EFL points in first season in EFL and £500k-£1m fine
9. Boro compensation claim can be dealt with separately subject to any claim brought by Boro - difficult claim to establish due to causation issues

[Rickie lambert @SaintLambo07]

If 1 photo could sum up this years premier league, the refereeing and the VAR then this is it!!
Our league is going down hill quick!! No wonder everyone’s starting to go and watch there local teams!!

[Sholing FC @sholingfc]

Upgrade your match day this Saturday 11th April.

📧 Book your space now - [email protected]

[Paul Knott @P88K]

RT @sholingfc: PLANNING PERMISSION RECEIVED 🤝🏻

We’re proud to have secured planning permission for our new community head office building.…

[Paul Knott @P88K]

@michaeljjones @sholingfc You’re welcome Michael, glad you both enjoyed it, a good 3 points, hope to see you in there again soon.

[Sacha Lord @Sacha_Lord]

After the last Budget 3rd Nov 2024.

“Not putting up taxes is an absolute commitment.”

“It’s now on us, we won’t need to come back for more.”

“We don’t need to increase taxes further.”

[Tashy McTashface @TashP351]

Worst Bond film ever.

[Paul Knott @P88K]

@AFCPortchester Well deserved, a person who really cares for his club, top man.

[Sholing FC @sholingfc]

Beaux?

#UpTheBoatmen 🚢
#PrideOfEastSouthampton 🔴⚪️

[Sholing FC @sholingfc]

Welcome, Jake McCarthy 😍

#UpTheBoatmen #PrideOfEastSouthampton

[Sholing FC @sholingfc]

Just two legends doing what they do best… 🐐

@danielmason92 @mattletiss7

[The Padded Seat @PaddedSeat]

We went to Sholing FC to try out some matchday hospitality…

[Paul Knott @P88K]

@Horndean_FC What a player, great signing.

[Paul Knott @P88K]

@sholingfc @d_diaper Two club legends there. Sholing wouldn’t be possible without these two. Happy birthday Trevor.

[Sholing FC @sholingfc]

🎉 Our brand new 3G pitch is now OPEN for bookings! 🎉

We’re excited to welcome you to our brand new facility! Our FIFA Pro 3G pitch is perfect for matches, training or just a kickabout with friends. And it's not just about the football… our clubhouse is also open, serving food and drinks for players, friends and family to enjoy 🍔⚽🍻

Whether you’re on the pitch or watching from the sidelines, come down, get involved, and be part of a growing community.

📅 Check availability and book your slot here: https://t.co/R9Y6OzM2gY

#uptheboatmen #prideofeastsouthampton

[Connor Doswell @Dozzy92]

If you or anyone you know would be interested in our first team physio role @Millbrook_FC please get in touch.

Great club to be involved with 🙌🏻⚽️

#physiotherapy #MillbrookFC

[Sholing FC @sholingfc]

⚽️ Make your matchday unforgettable!

Join us for great food, exciting football & a brilliant atmosphere - all with a VIP touch.

📩 Book your matchday hospitality table now at [email protected]

#UpTheBoatmen #PrideOfEastSouthampton #VIPMatchday