No news is good news, right?

Sierra Leone midfield ace Al Bangura now faces a nerve-wracking 28 day wait before the verdict of his immigration tribunal will be announced.

The Hornets hardman today argued his case to stay in the UK in a Middlesex court. Although there is no official decision, and will not be one for at least 28 days, the signs look good.

Bangura was accused of telling different accounts of how made his way to the UK and also about whether he had made contact with his family since leaving. The most common story seems to be that the 19 year-old made his way to London with a Frenchman who attempted to groom him into a male prostitute.

Aidy Boothroyd, who took the stand today instead of going to training, said this:

'If he were to go back there it would be an absolute disaster for him professionally. Al is a very, very big talent, apart from being a decent young man. 'Playing at that level would be a massive backward step ... unrecoverable, in my opinion. He would go there and never be heard of again.'

The judge in charge of the case conceded that the case was 'exceptional' and even leaned towards showing support for Bangura by telling how he had been inspired:

'You have enlightened me to football. I might watch a match. I might not. You never know.'

The next twenty-eight days will be agonizing for Bangura, his girlfriend and their soon-to-be-born child, as well as Aidy Boothroyd and all at The 'Vic.

Hears to having collected another 18 points and celebrating Christmas with Bangura once the wait is over.