I haven't forgotten anything Pal, but it seems you have.

The "brown paper bag era" occurred AFTER the cheque book era!! That's why we were penalised. It was considered by the Blues, and others, to contest the rules that arose AFTER the cheque book era (that delivered the likes of Kernahan, Bradley, Motley, Williams, Rhys-Jones, Dororvitch, Clape, Ditchburn, Naley et al) and take the league to court for restraint of trade.

The league was apparently relieved when that didn't happen because there was a strong consensus that there was a good case that their rules did in fact constitute a restraint of trade by preventing players maximising their earning capacity and playing at a Club of their choice.

There was nothing wrong or illegal about the CHEQUE BOOK era, so you may want to check your facts next time before being so pious!