[old crust]

Originally Posted by Bilbobaggins

to be fair O.C. West Ham knew the rules, or at least should have done, so therefore should never have signed them under this agreement.

I agree, but the FA should have refused their signing on forms. The FA make a right song and dance of things if a Sunday morning club tries to sign an illegal player. The Leicestershire FA produce a book full of hundreds of names who are banned for one thing or another. Anyone trying to sign one of the banned players is refused in a minute. Football matters should be decided on the pitch and not afterwards in a committee room.