Judgement day for Daggers

"I feel sorry for Boston fans who have done nothing wrong, but feel for our fans even more.

"In the Olympics if you're found guilty of cheating then you're expelled. It's as simple as that.

"This issue has gone on for so long, so it's difficult to accept. It's always tough for the team that finishes second in the Conference, but last season was ridiculous.

"We finished level on points with 84, lost only five of 42 games and beat them twice."

The charges against Boston are many and varied, but centre on manager Steve Evans's handling of contracts.

He faces six charges of giving false details about players' contracts as well as the more serious count of attempting to "mislead, frustrate and impede" the FA inquiry by allegedly offering £8,000 to a player asked to give evidence.

Evans has been suspended pending the inquiry and former chairman Pat Malkinson, also facing two charges, resigned citing ill health.

His successor Des Woods said: "The club is taking these charges seriously and has instigated its own internal investigation.

"We have co-operated fully with the FA inquiry and are committed to upholding FA rules."

Although Boston's immediate fate lies with the three-man panel in Birmingham, any punishment will be administered by the Nationwide Conference.

John Moules, chief executive of the Conference, said: "We're going to wait to discover the findings of the hearing and any subsequent appeal and see where that leaves us, if anywhere.

"Everyone is assuming the worst, as they do in this country, but at the moment nothing's been proven. The Conference has looked at all the possible permutations and at the moment they are so wide and varied it would be unfair to speculate."

Those permutations are thought to include a heavy fine, points deduction or the ultimate sanction - Boston being barred from entering the Football League this season.

Then it gets really complicated. If Boston are not promoted, they could be replaced by either Dagenham or last year's relegated side Halifax Town.

Another scenario would see the Third Division reduced to 23 teams.

While most clubs would oppose a reduced division on financial grounds Halifax, who failed to return Standard Sport's calls yesterday, have problems of their own.

Hill says: "With all due respect, I can't see how Halifax can play in the League.

"They're in administration, have no financial security and only seven players.

"They had nothing to do with the Conference last season. Halifax played in the League last season and weren't good enough. Dagenham are well worth a place in the League.

"We're financially secure, the ground is good enough and we are ready to play Bournemouth at Victoria Road on 10 August.

"I feel confident we can go into the Third Division and consolidate. We've earned that right."

Dagenham MP Jon Cruddas has no doubts as to what should happen.

The Labour politician plans to be at St Andrews to lobby on the club's behalf, despite the fact it is a closed hearing he cannot attend.

Cruddas said: "We're going there anyway to make our point.

"We've got to keep the pot boiling. Adam Crozier and David Davies at the FA are always talking about the need to clean up the game, and this is a good example of where the rules should win out.

"Any other option makes us the victims.

"If Boston are found guilty and stay in the League, then our fans are the ones to be hurt.

"We shouldn't lose out having played by the rules all along."