I wasn't around for the event that started this topic, so I've generally kept out of it, but I've had to lock this thread because we are going way off topic and getting into completely unnecessary personal remarks, which all these people in this discussion are much better than. I don't mean this to sound like telling anyone off, merely bringing together what I see as clearly diverging sides to this discussion which started off reasoned-enough, so please don't take it as patronising, anyone.
The West Brom goal and subsequent consequences (or lack of, depending which side you're arguing) clearly had a lasting effect and it's not something that Leeds fans take lightly. I've seen some good discussion here about the technicalities of it, but after a certain point it has started going around in circles. Malcolm doesn't think any wrongdoing happened, nor that its absence would have necessarily led to a different title outcome. That's fine. Leeds fans mostly think differently and have their own arguments for it. That's absolutely fine too, but, Malcolm, being on a Leeds forum, if you do think everyone else's judgement is clouded by passion, just let it go in the end. It is clear no side will be convinced of the other's arguments, and since it's something that will not be changed (unfortunately so, as everyone seems to agree) we might as well move on - we've had so many better (and inherently interesting) topics from that era, I'm sure there's other memories to evoke.
Beyond anything else, there's no point resorting to little digs at anyone just because others agree with one view or another, especially not at someone as established on here, and non-combative as ONS. Perhaps smilies have been a bit misunderstood as well - they're a natural part of discussion on a forum, I know they're not everyone's cup of tea, but in the absence of face-to-face conversation they're very useful to express tones to a post or just represent what would have otherwise required a full paragraph (call it laziness, I call it practicality - I need a smiley here!
).
I think this topic has run its course, so will keep it locked for now. Malcolm, I can't see anything in today's posts on here to suggest anything personal was meant towards you, and you yourself speak so highly of Robert & his work, yet go on to have a clear poke at him & someone agreeing with him in the next breath - looks completely unnecessary. Hope we can keep on topic a bit better from on, please.
Thanks all, any comments are welcome to me or one of the mod team via PM though.