Breaking news from Salisbury Crown Court is that Saints striker Lee Barnard has been cleared of assault.

After a four day trial held at Salisbury due to the Saints strikers lawyers arguing succesfully that he would not get a fair trial in Southampton, Lee Barnard has been cleared of the offence in the White house pub some 18 months ago.

It has been a tough time for Barnard who initially was sidelined due to injuries suffered in the incident and then after firing Saints to within sight of promotion from League 1 suffered a long term injury in the home game against Bristol Rovers last April that kept him out for most of the first half of the season, although in recent week's he has made the odd appearance off the bench.

Whilst its Barnard will be grateful for the not guilty verdict, he will look back on the incidents of the last 18 months and wonder whether this will ultimately cost him his Saints career, if the Club are promoted to the premier he will find himself a long way down the pecking order at St Mary's and might have to move on for reguiar football

Photo: Action Images

stmichael added 17:28 - Apr 19 I am pleased for him as he seems a decent guy. He has his place in our history and will very soon be a premiership footballer as he recently signed a new contract. I see no reason why he cant make a similar impact to Simeon Jackson at Norwich who although not a regular has played some games and scored some goals this season.
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Iceberg added 17:41 - Apr 19 good on yer barny rubble.
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sfc1971 added 17:45 - Apr 19 That`s great news and he deserves a chance if/when we go up. He`s a good squad player and from what I hear is good to have around the place has alot of time for the younger lads at SMS.
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darkangelv2 added 19:06 - Apr 19 Hmmm so what do we chant now? Really pleased this cloud's no longer hanging over his head.
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ThereIn76 added 21:40 - Apr 19 Good news. Slightly off topic - that sash kit looks SO old . . .
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saintwiz added 21:43 - Apr 19 Another waste of tax payers money. No case.
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