I've heard it directly from Gus & Tanno. If you read the other thread, you'll read that El Pres has stated he's contacted Barber directly & the interview confirms what he was told. I don't blame you for your cynicism but it's fairly easy to find out some facts if you want to.
My info has come from 2 or 3 mentions of it in Seagull's Player interviews. Tanno has mentioned it too.
El pres quote comes from Walt Jabsco's thread re: interview with Paul Barber? There's a link to it on that thread.