STEVE LANSDOWN, chairman of Bristol City, today warned Gillingham to expect an appeal against a Football League tribunal’s decision to find them guilty of an illegal approach for former manager Tony Pulis in 1999.

City were ordered to pay Gillingham £50,000 and fined a further £50,000 -- £25,000 suspended -- by the tribunal.

Mr Lansdown said: “The outcome is obviously disappointing and we are certainly not happy paying Gillingham £50,000, bearing in mind they sacked Tony Pulis before he was given the job at Ashton Gate.

“Until we get full details of the League’s tribunal decision in writing, which is likely to be later this week, we are unsure of the financial implications of this judgement.

“However, with the way this has been handled, I’m sure that we as a club won’t just accept it and I'm certainly not ruling out any appeal.”

Pulis was sacked for gross misconduct on June 30, 1999 and was appointed Bristol City manager on July 5.