This means that Pinnacle would have to continue with their bid, despite the ten point deduction standing, but they have given no indication or guarantees to anyone that they would be willing to do this. Otherwise it is game over for the Le Tissier fronted group.

Pinnacle, led by Tony Lynam, are discussing their next move with lawyers. Options include going ahead with the deal regardless, or trying to challenge The Football League through the courts. This latter option would hold up any takeover bid, and allow their rivals, Marc Jackson’s consortium, to step in instead.

Jackson’s consortium may already be the new favourites to make the deal, if administrator Mark Fry decides to ditch Pinnacle altogether, which he is now entitled to do.

Is this game over for Pinnacle? Or worse still, game over for Saints?

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