The 21st June 2007 had the outward appearance of something resembling 'Black Thursday.'
The day in question resembled a cross between The Madhatter's Tea Party and an Ann Summers shindig, somewhere en route between 'The High Court' in London & 'Royal Ascot' in Berkshire.
Was their a full moon on Wednesday night?
It was certainly an atrocious day for Iain 'Coco the Clown' Dowie at The High Court, and in part for the bookmaker Paddy Power at Royal Ascot on Gold Cup and Ladies Day.
As it is Dowie is now facing the biggest blow to his morale, as well as to the lining of his pockets, since he last looked at his own reflection in the mirror!
He was 'taken to the cleaners' by Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan.
Jordan has shown in the past that he cannot stand managers/players that do NOT honour their contracts, and quite rightly so!
(In 2001 he put Steve Bruce on 'gardening leave' at the Palace after refusing to allow him to leave his contractual managerial post with Palace, after being linked to a role with another football club). I must take this opportunity to thank Brucie for all the weeding he did that year. The pitch has never looked in such tip-top condition since!
Dowie should have gone to see a therapist NOT a solicitor before deciding to take on Jordan in court, particularly as it has subsequently been proven that he was indeed knowingly lying, and made 'fraudulent misrepresentations' on leaving the club in May last year.
Dowie had foolishly hoped that somehow he would NOT get caught, a bit like a naughty little school-kid!
Dowie in fact may as well have turned up at court in a school blazer, knee length trousers with a plimsoll bag over his shoulder, lent over some court apparatus and allowed himself be thrashed with a whip, for he was always onto a good hiding, from the first moment he decided to take on his ex-boss, a serial High Court winner!
Now having lost, he has to foot the entire bill. He has to pay HIS own costs, Jordan's and Palace's costs.....along with any compensation awarded to Palace.
Mr. Justice Tugendhat ordered Dowie to pay £150,000 within the next six weeks, but warned Dowie that Palace's bill could total £400,000 in legal costs alone.
There will be another hearing towards the end of the year to decide how much in 'damages and other financial relief' Dowie must pay Palace. Ouch!!!
Jordan said on Friday he had no sympathy for Dowie and went on to say: 'This is a resounding, overwhelming judgement of Dowie's deceit and guilt.'
No Xmas card from Dowie then this Yuletide. He'll probably be so skint by then that he'll have to send home-made cards to his remaining friends and relatives!
Interestingly but of less financial clout, bookies Paddy Power were hit by a flurry of bets on Thursday on what colour hat the Queen would be wearing on Gold Cup Day at Royal Ascot.
Suggestions in previous years that inside information might have been used went down like a lead balloon at the Palace.
So without wishing to stir up any more bad feeling nobody was pointing any fingers on Thursday, despite a rush of money that saw the winning 'beige/cream' colour cut from odds of a rather tasty 6/1 to a miserly 1/25.
Claiming to have lost around £15,000, bookie Paddy Power said, 'We got creamed.'
Showing posts with label Court. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Court. Show all posts
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
DowieGateDisgrace.........Jordan Decree Corroborates Dowie Deceit!
Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan scored a legal victory today when a High Court judge upheld his claim that he was "deceived" by manager Iain Dowie over his reasons for leaving the club.
Mr Justice Tugendhat ruled that Palace entered into a compromise agreement, freeing Dowie from his contract, on the basis of "fraudulent representations" by the manager to the effect that he had NOT contacted Charlton and had NO present intention of joining them.
Flamboyant multi-millionaire Jordan asserted that, as a gesture of goodwill, he agreed to waive the compensation clause because Dowie had stated he wanted to move nearer to his wife and family in Bolton - which was true when he made the statement.
But within days of leaving, Dowie was appointed manager of Charlton - just a few miles from Selhurst Park.
In the event, Dowie left Charlton in November after only 12 league matches and is now in charge at Coventry.
Dowie, 42, had a clause in his contract to the effect that, if he left to join another club, Palace would receive £1million compensation.
Jordan told the judge he would never have reached the compromise had he known he was planning to move to The Valley.
Jordan, who made his millions from the sale of his mobile phone shop chain, Pocket Phone Shop, seven years ago, challenged Dowie's claim that there was a lack of investment in Crystal Palace.
He said he put £30million of his own money into the club in his first three years as chairman.
The question of whether Palace is now entitled to £1million, or some other amount, on the basis that it lost the chance to benefit under that clause will be decided at a further court hearing.
Bring on Dowie & Coventry this season...........I'm sure Dowie will get a truely red hot reception, one that normally befits that buffoon Brucie.
Palace fans put these dates in your diary for the forthcoming season!
Palace .v. Coventry & Dowie at Selhurst Park:- 18th September 2007.
Coventry & Dowie .v. Palace at The Rioch Arena:- 26th December 2007.
See you all there!
Mr Justice Tugendhat ruled that Palace entered into a compromise agreement, freeing Dowie from his contract, on the basis of "fraudulent representations" by the manager to the effect that he had NOT contacted Charlton and had NO present intention of joining them.
Flamboyant multi-millionaire Jordan asserted that, as a gesture of goodwill, he agreed to waive the compensation clause because Dowie had stated he wanted to move nearer to his wife and family in Bolton - which was true when he made the statement.
But within days of leaving, Dowie was appointed manager of Charlton - just a few miles from Selhurst Park.
In the event, Dowie left Charlton in November after only 12 league matches and is now in charge at Coventry.
Dowie, 42, had a clause in his contract to the effect that, if he left to join another club, Palace would receive £1million compensation.
Jordan told the judge he would never have reached the compromise had he known he was planning to move to The Valley.
Jordan, who made his millions from the sale of his mobile phone shop chain, Pocket Phone Shop, seven years ago, challenged Dowie's claim that there was a lack of investment in Crystal Palace.
He said he put £30million of his own money into the club in his first three years as chairman.
The question of whether Palace is now entitled to £1million, or some other amount, on the basis that it lost the chance to benefit under that clause will be decided at a further court hearing.
Bring on Dowie & Coventry this season...........I'm sure Dowie will get a truely red hot reception, one that normally befits that buffoon Brucie.
Palace fans put these dates in your diary for the forthcoming season!
Palace .v. Coventry & Dowie at Selhurst Park:- 18th September 2007.
Coventry & Dowie .v. Palace at The Rioch Arena:- 26th December 2007.
See you all there!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
DowieGateDisgrace.........The Very Latest!
Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan must wait to see if he has won his bitter legal row with former manager Iain Dowie.
Their eight-day High Court battle ended on Tuesday - but the judge has withheld his decision over Dowie being sued for alleged "fraudulent misrepresentations".
Dowie's barrister Michael McParland this week dismissed claims that his client had discussed the Charlton job before he left Palace.
*However two days before he left he had talked to Charlton chairman Richard Murray, but Mr McParland said that did not mean Dowie had been spoken to about taking charge of the club.
*Mr McParland added that Preston boss Billy Davies had already been lined up for the Charlton hotseat, although he later declined the move.
*The barrister said Murray had phoned about possible player signings for Charlton.
*He said Dowie could NOT afford to "offend" a Premiership chairman by NOT taking the call.
*It was also revealed that Dowie had started writing a document called "Advancing the Addicks" - before he left Palace.
But the barrister said this did NOT mean he had talked about getting a job at the club.
John Davies QC,for Jordan, said there had been "five representations" that caused his client to waive the clause that required compensation should Dowie leave:
1/ He said Palace's line had been "consistent" from May 10 last year onwards when Jordan made it clear that Dowie could go,but only on the basis he was returning to the north.
2/ Mr Davies also disagreed with Mr McParland's claim that Charlton had lined up Billy Davies as manager when there was initial contact between Dowie and Murray.
3/ The court was also told that Dowie had been "mis-taken" when he said in a press conference to announce he would be joining Charlton that there had been no contact about the job when he was still at Palace.
4/ The court was also told that, on May 16 last year, Dowie considered himself "free" to talk about becoming Derby County manager, even though the agreement to terminate his contract at Palace had NOT been signed off.
5/ Mr Davies said the fact Dowie was talking to Derby at that early stage made it more likely that he had also spoken to Charlton about the managerial position at The Valley.
Mr Justice Tugendhat said he would reserve his decision in the case until a later, unspecified date.
Their eight-day High Court battle ended on Tuesday - but the judge has withheld his decision over Dowie being sued for alleged "fraudulent misrepresentations".
Dowie's barrister Michael McParland this week dismissed claims that his client had discussed the Charlton job before he left Palace.
*However two days before he left he had talked to Charlton chairman Richard Murray, but Mr McParland said that did not mean Dowie had been spoken to about taking charge of the club.
*Mr McParland added that Preston boss Billy Davies had already been lined up for the Charlton hotseat, although he later declined the move.
*The barrister said Murray had phoned about possible player signings for Charlton.
*He said Dowie could NOT afford to "offend" a Premiership chairman by NOT taking the call.
*It was also revealed that Dowie had started writing a document called "Advancing the Addicks" - before he left Palace.
But the barrister said this did NOT mean he had talked about getting a job at the club.
John Davies QC,for Jordan, said there had been "five representations" that caused his client to waive the clause that required compensation should Dowie leave:
1/ He said Palace's line had been "consistent" from May 10 last year onwards when Jordan made it clear that Dowie could go,but only on the basis he was returning to the north.
2/ Mr Davies also disagreed with Mr McParland's claim that Charlton had lined up Billy Davies as manager when there was initial contact between Dowie and Murray.
3/ The court was also told that Dowie had been "mis-taken" when he said in a press conference to announce he would be joining Charlton that there had been no contact about the job when he was still at Palace.
4/ The court was also told that, on May 16 last year, Dowie considered himself "free" to talk about becoming Derby County manager, even though the agreement to terminate his contract at Palace had NOT been signed off.
5/ Mr Davies said the fact Dowie was talking to Derby at that early stage made it more likely that he had also spoken to Charlton about the managerial position at The Valley.
Mr Justice Tugendhat said he would reserve his decision in the case until a later, unspecified date.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
DowieGateDisgrace.........Court Day Eight
Round Eight - Day Eight - Tuesday 22nd May 2007
In Court today...
Former Eagles boss Iain Dowie could not have spoken to Charlton about becoming their manager when he left Crystal Palace because someone else was poised to get the job, the High Court heard today.
As those following the case will be aware, Dowie had a clause in his contract to the effect that if he left to join another club, Palace would be due £1million compensation.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan says he agreed to waive the clause when Mr Dowie left because he had stated he wanted to move nearer to his family in Bolton.
Within days Mr Dowie had joined Charlton.
Today, as both sides began their final submissions, Mr Dowie's barrister, Michael McParland, dismissed claims that his client had discussed the Charlton job before he left Palace.
The court heard Mr Dowie had spoken to Charlton chairman, Richard Murray, two days before leaving Palace, NOT about taking charge of the Addicks but about players.
Mr McParland said that was because Mr Murray already had another man lined up for the job - former Preston North End manager Billy Davies.
In the end, Mr Davies changed his mind, but Mr McParland said that would NOT have been known to Mr Murray at the time he spoke to Mr Dowie.
Mr McParland also said Mr Murray phoned Mr Dowie on May 22 last year - the day he left Palace - to find out the time of the press conference announcing his departure as he was keen to watch it on TV.
And the judge heard from Mr McParland that, just because Mr Dowie had started writing a document called "Advancing the Addicks" before he left Palace, it did NOT mean he had talked about getting a job at the club.
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 7
Temperature: Sticky with varying winds. Outlook uncertain but cloudy with plenty of mist & haze in the atmosphere 23*C
We await the outcome...
In Court today...
Former Eagles boss Iain Dowie could not have spoken to Charlton about becoming their manager when he left Crystal Palace because someone else was poised to get the job, the High Court heard today.
As those following the case will be aware, Dowie had a clause in his contract to the effect that if he left to join another club, Palace would be due £1million compensation.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan says he agreed to waive the clause when Mr Dowie left because he had stated he wanted to move nearer to his family in Bolton.
Within days Mr Dowie had joined Charlton.
Today, as both sides began their final submissions, Mr Dowie's barrister, Michael McParland, dismissed claims that his client had discussed the Charlton job before he left Palace.
The court heard Mr Dowie had spoken to Charlton chairman, Richard Murray, two days before leaving Palace, NOT about taking charge of the Addicks but about players.
Mr McParland said that was because Mr Murray already had another man lined up for the job - former Preston North End manager Billy Davies.
In the end, Mr Davies changed his mind, but Mr McParland said that would NOT have been known to Mr Murray at the time he spoke to Mr Dowie.
Mr McParland also said Mr Murray phoned Mr Dowie on May 22 last year - the day he left Palace - to find out the time of the press conference announcing his departure as he was keen to watch it on TV.
And the judge heard from Mr McParland that, just because Mr Dowie had started writing a document called "Advancing the Addicks" before he left Palace, it did NOT mean he had talked about getting a job at the club.
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 7
Temperature: Sticky with varying winds. Outlook uncertain but cloudy with plenty of mist & haze in the atmosphere 23*C
We await the outcome...
Friday, May 18, 2007
DowieGateDisgrace.........Court Day Seven
Round Seven - Day Seven - Friday 18th May 2007
In Court today...
The final witness in Crystal Palace's marathon legal battle has denied approaching their former manager Iain Dowie before he had formally left the club.
Taking the stand today, Charlton Athletic chairman Richard Murray denied approaching Mr Dowie for an interview before he left Palace on May 22 last year.
Mr Dowie is being sued by Palace for alleged 'fraudulent misrepresentation' when he left the club last summer and joined bitter rivals Charlton Athletic.
However, Mr Murray said he had phoned Mr Dowie before he left Palace and suggested meeting up after a press conference announcing he would be leaving Selhurst Park, although he insisted he had not made any mention of him becoming Charlton's manager.
Mr Dowie says he thought Mr Murray wanted to talk about Palace players who would be of interest to Charlton.
At the time, the Addicks were looking for a replacement for long-term boss Alan Curbishley, but Mr Murray said that then Preston North End manager Billy Davies was in the frame.
"I did want to meet him," said Mr Murray, who admitted his call could have been viewed as a "nod and wink" to Mr Dowie that he would be considered for Charlton.
But he added: "As I have said many times, he was not my first choice. Billy Davies was. But I was not going to say, 'You are totally ruled out'."
Mr Dowie had a clause in his contract to the effect that if he left to join another club, Palace would be due £1million compensation.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan says that, as a gesture of good will, he agreed to waive that clause when Mr Dowie left because he had stated he wanted to move nearer to his wife and family in Bolton.
Within days, Mr Dowie had joined Charlton.
Mr Dowie says the compromise agreement was a "clean break" under which Palace dispensed with his services and avoided having to pay him substantial contractual entitlements.
Mr Justice Tugendhat adjourned proceedings until Tuesday. He is expected to reserve his judgment in the case after he has heard closing arguments.
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 6
Temperature: Rather a lot of cloud & a plenty of 'hot air' 20*C
The case continues on Tuesday 22nd May...
In Court today...
The final witness in Crystal Palace's marathon legal battle has denied approaching their former manager Iain Dowie before he had formally left the club.
Taking the stand today, Charlton Athletic chairman Richard Murray denied approaching Mr Dowie for an interview before he left Palace on May 22 last year.
Mr Dowie is being sued by Palace for alleged 'fraudulent misrepresentation' when he left the club last summer and joined bitter rivals Charlton Athletic.
However, Mr Murray said he had phoned Mr Dowie before he left Palace and suggested meeting up after a press conference announcing he would be leaving Selhurst Park, although he insisted he had not made any mention of him becoming Charlton's manager.
Mr Dowie says he thought Mr Murray wanted to talk about Palace players who would be of interest to Charlton.
At the time, the Addicks were looking for a replacement for long-term boss Alan Curbishley, but Mr Murray said that then Preston North End manager Billy Davies was in the frame.
"I did want to meet him," said Mr Murray, who admitted his call could have been viewed as a "nod and wink" to Mr Dowie that he would be considered for Charlton.
But he added: "As I have said many times, he was not my first choice. Billy Davies was. But I was not going to say, 'You are totally ruled out'."
Mr Dowie had a clause in his contract to the effect that if he left to join another club, Palace would be due £1million compensation.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan says that, as a gesture of good will, he agreed to waive that clause when Mr Dowie left because he had stated he wanted to move nearer to his wife and family in Bolton.
Within days, Mr Dowie had joined Charlton.
Mr Dowie says the compromise agreement was a "clean break" under which Palace dispensed with his services and avoided having to pay him substantial contractual entitlements.
Mr Justice Tugendhat adjourned proceedings until Tuesday. He is expected to reserve his judgment in the case after he has heard closing arguments.
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 6
Temperature: Rather a lot of cloud & a plenty of 'hot air' 20*C
The case continues on Tuesday 22nd May...
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
DowieGateDisgrace...........Court Day Six
Round Six - Day Six - Wednesday 16th May 2007
In Court today...
Iain Dowie claimed his bitter £2 million High Court wrangle with Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has destroyed his managerial reputation.
The former Crystal Palace manager spoke of the "very abusive, ultra-aggressive, demeaning and angry" telephone call with chairman Simon Jordan that signalled the end of his time at the club.
He told a top judge that he was prepared for Mr Jordan to be "upset" after the club failed to win promotion to the Premiership in May 2006.
And, from past experience, he also said he knew that the club chairman "would be aggressive and outspoken".
But Dowie told the High Court: "I was not prepared for the way that Simon spoke to me on the telephone and the very abusive, ultra-aggressive, demeaning and angry nature of the call."
"Simon shouted and swore at me constantly."
"I was used to Simon being aggressive and swearing, but this was by far the worst I had ever experienced either by Simon or generally in my time in football."
Dowie is being sued by Palace for alleged 'fraudulent misrepresentations' when he left the club last summer and joined Charlton Athletic.
He told the court: "The litany of personal abuse didn't help my chances of finding work after I left Charlton."
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 7, Jordan 6
Temperature: Damp start but brighter with sunny spells by mid-afternoon 21*C
The case continues on Friday 18th May...
In Court today...
Iain Dowie claimed his bitter £2 million High Court wrangle with Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has destroyed his managerial reputation.
The former Crystal Palace manager spoke of the "very abusive, ultra-aggressive, demeaning and angry" telephone call with chairman Simon Jordan that signalled the end of his time at the club.
He told a top judge that he was prepared for Mr Jordan to be "upset" after the club failed to win promotion to the Premiership in May 2006.
And, from past experience, he also said he knew that the club chairman "would be aggressive and outspoken".
But Dowie told the High Court: "I was not prepared for the way that Simon spoke to me on the telephone and the very abusive, ultra-aggressive, demeaning and angry nature of the call."
"Simon shouted and swore at me constantly."
"I was used to Simon being aggressive and swearing, but this was by far the worst I had ever experienced either by Simon or generally in my time in football."
Dowie is being sued by Palace for alleged 'fraudulent misrepresentations' when he left the club last summer and joined Charlton Athletic.
He told the court: "The litany of personal abuse didn't help my chances of finding work after I left Charlton."
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 7, Jordan 6
Temperature: Damp start but brighter with sunny spells by mid-afternoon 21*C
The case continues on Friday 18th May...
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
DowieGateDisgrace...........Court Day Five
Round Five - Day Five - Tuesday 15th May 2007
In Court today...
Former Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie told a court there was nothing in the agreement he had with the club that prevented him moving to Charlton.
Giving evidence at the High Court Mr Dowie said the "compromise agreement" under which he left the club meant he gave up his claim to "a potentially large sum of money" by foregoing bonuses on player transfer profits and any claim for compensation over the ending of his contract.
He also told the court his reputation had been severely damaged by Palace chairman Simon Jordan repeatedly calling him a liar in the media.
Mr Dowie is being sued by Crystal Palace who say he made "fraudulent misrepresentations" when he left the side last summer and joined rivals Charlton Athletic.
The 42-year-old had a clause in his contract which stated if he left to join another club his new bosses would pay Palace £1million in compensation.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan said he waived the clause as a gesture of good will because Mr Dowie said he wanted to move closer to his family in Bolton.
Within days of leaving Palace he was appointed as Charlton manager, but was dismissed after just 12 matches in charge. He is now at Coventry City.
But Mr Dowie insists he never said he would be "moving back up north" nor was there any limitation in his contract on him working for any other club in the future, including Charlton.
Mr Dowie said the "new regime" he introduced after taking charge at Palace had reversed the decline in player performances and team morale, culminating in the club's promotion to the Premiership for the 2004/2005 season.
Palace were relegated on the last day of the season - after drawing 2-2 with Charlton - and, in the 2005/06 season the club almost made it back into the Premiership after qualifying for the play-off semi-finals, before losing out to Watford.
Mr Dowie said the club had benefited financially since his arrival, including an extra £25million in TV revenues and about £7million in "parachute" payments from the Premiership.
He also said "he had improved player performance, making them more valuable."
Mr Dowie claims he was contacted by Charlton chairman, Richard Murray, on May 17 last year but he did NOT believe it was until May 22 - after he had signed the compromise agreement to leave Palace - that they had "contact regarding the Charlton Athletic job".
Mr Dowie told the court: "I believe that I have acted properly and honestly at all times. I entered a compromise agreement and waived very significant salary, bonuses and benefits under my contract in return for Crystal Palace waiving a compensation clause payable if I joined another club."
"There were no restrictions in that compromise agreement on where I could work and I found a new job at Charlton Athletic. I did not make any representations to Simon Jordan, false or otherwise, that I would only work in the north of England, or that that was the only reason why I was leaving Crystal Palace."
"He knew this was not the case."
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 6
Temperature: Dull but getting progressively warmer 20*C
The case continues...
In Court today...
Former Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie told a court there was nothing in the agreement he had with the club that prevented him moving to Charlton.
Giving evidence at the High Court Mr Dowie said the "compromise agreement" under which he left the club meant he gave up his claim to "a potentially large sum of money" by foregoing bonuses on player transfer profits and any claim for compensation over the ending of his contract.
He also told the court his reputation had been severely damaged by Palace chairman Simon Jordan repeatedly calling him a liar in the media.
Mr Dowie is being sued by Crystal Palace who say he made "fraudulent misrepresentations" when he left the side last summer and joined rivals Charlton Athletic.
The 42-year-old had a clause in his contract which stated if he left to join another club his new bosses would pay Palace £1million in compensation.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan said he waived the clause as a gesture of good will because Mr Dowie said he wanted to move closer to his family in Bolton.
Within days of leaving Palace he was appointed as Charlton manager, but was dismissed after just 12 matches in charge. He is now at Coventry City.
But Mr Dowie insists he never said he would be "moving back up north" nor was there any limitation in his contract on him working for any other club in the future, including Charlton.
Mr Dowie said the "new regime" he introduced after taking charge at Palace had reversed the decline in player performances and team morale, culminating in the club's promotion to the Premiership for the 2004/2005 season.
Palace were relegated on the last day of the season - after drawing 2-2 with Charlton - and, in the 2005/06 season the club almost made it back into the Premiership after qualifying for the play-off semi-finals, before losing out to Watford.
Mr Dowie said the club had benefited financially since his arrival, including an extra £25million in TV revenues and about £7million in "parachute" payments from the Premiership.
He also said "he had improved player performance, making them more valuable."
Mr Dowie claims he was contacted by Charlton chairman, Richard Murray, on May 17 last year but he did NOT believe it was until May 22 - after he had signed the compromise agreement to leave Palace - that they had "contact regarding the Charlton Athletic job".
Mr Dowie told the court: "I believe that I have acted properly and honestly at all times. I entered a compromise agreement and waived very significant salary, bonuses and benefits under my contract in return for Crystal Palace waiving a compensation clause payable if I joined another club."
"There were no restrictions in that compromise agreement on where I could work and I found a new job at Charlton Athletic. I did not make any representations to Simon Jordan, false or otherwise, that I would only work in the north of England, or that that was the only reason why I was leaving Crystal Palace."
"He knew this was not the case."
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 6
Temperature: Dull but getting progressively warmer 20*C
The case continues...
DowieGateDisgrace...........Court Day Four
Round Four - Day Four - Monday 14th May 2007
In Court today...
Former Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie entered the witness box in the High Court today (Monday) to deny suggestions that he set out to 'concoct a false story' about his reasons for leaving the club.
Dowie, contesting Palace's £1million compensation claim over his move to rivals Charlton, was challenged by Palace's barrister to explain discrepancies in his account of what happened.
John Davies QC pointed out that he (Dowie) had initially stated at a press conference that he had "no contact whatsoever" with Charlton before his departure from Selhurst Park on May 22 last year and that the first conversation he had with them was two days later.
That was not true, as was evident from subsequent disclosure of his mobile phone bills.
Dowie, 42, admitted he made factual mistakes at a press conference days after he left the club.
He told Mr Justice Tugendhat his initial recollection was incorrect, but his prior contact with Charlton was NOT about the managership.
His first call from Charlton regarding the manager's job was in fact on the evening of May 22.
Asked why he got his dates wrong, he replied: "We all make mistakes."
Mr Davies said: "Or was it because it was your first attempt to concoct a false story?"
Dowie replied: "No, there was no attempt to concoct a story. I got the dates wrong. It was a mistake. I have nothing to cover up."
Palace chairman Simon Jordan has accused Dowie of lying when he said his reason for leaving the club was to be nearer his family in the north of England.
Jordan says he would never have waived Palace's contractual right to £1 million compensation if he had known the manager was planning to move to The Valley a few miles away.
Dowie, whose home is in Bolton, is now in charge at Coventry.
Dowie said his relationship with Jordan was very good, although he agreed with Mr Davies that, when two strong characters clashed, sparks could fly.
But he denied the suggestion that his reason for negotiating his way out of the £1 million clause in his employment contract was to make himself more attractive to another club.
He said he had many "vitriolic" conversations with Jordan during his time with Palace, and was "used to it."
But their final telephone conversation, which led to his leaving, was "much worse".
He denied that his reason for negotiating his way out of the clause was to make himself more attractive to another club.
The court also heard how Dowie insisted he was entitled to a five per cent transfer fee of Palace players Andy Johnson and Wayne Routledge although both had been signed before he joined.
Mr Dowie argued he had helped 'develop' both players.
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 7
Temperature: Liar, liar pants on fire! 23*C
The case continues...
In Court today...
Former Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie entered the witness box in the High Court today (Monday) to deny suggestions that he set out to 'concoct a false story' about his reasons for leaving the club.
Dowie, contesting Palace's £1million compensation claim over his move to rivals Charlton, was challenged by Palace's barrister to explain discrepancies in his account of what happened.
John Davies QC pointed out that he (Dowie) had initially stated at a press conference that he had "no contact whatsoever" with Charlton before his departure from Selhurst Park on May 22 last year and that the first conversation he had with them was two days later.
That was not true, as was evident from subsequent disclosure of his mobile phone bills.
Dowie, 42, admitted he made factual mistakes at a press conference days after he left the club.
He told Mr Justice Tugendhat his initial recollection was incorrect, but his prior contact with Charlton was NOT about the managership.
His first call from Charlton regarding the manager's job was in fact on the evening of May 22.
Asked why he got his dates wrong, he replied: "We all make mistakes."
Mr Davies said: "Or was it because it was your first attempt to concoct a false story?"
Dowie replied: "No, there was no attempt to concoct a story. I got the dates wrong. It was a mistake. I have nothing to cover up."
Palace chairman Simon Jordan has accused Dowie of lying when he said his reason for leaving the club was to be nearer his family in the north of England.
Jordan says he would never have waived Palace's contractual right to £1 million compensation if he had known the manager was planning to move to The Valley a few miles away.
Dowie, whose home is in Bolton, is now in charge at Coventry.
Dowie said his relationship with Jordan was very good, although he agreed with Mr Davies that, when two strong characters clashed, sparks could fly.
But he denied the suggestion that his reason for negotiating his way out of the £1 million clause in his employment contract was to make himself more attractive to another club.
He said he had many "vitriolic" conversations with Jordan during his time with Palace, and was "used to it."
But their final telephone conversation, which led to his leaving, was "much worse".
He denied that his reason for negotiating his way out of the clause was to make himself more attractive to another club.
The court also heard how Dowie insisted he was entitled to a five per cent transfer fee of Palace players Andy Johnson and Wayne Routledge although both had been signed before he joined.
Mr Dowie argued he had helped 'develop' both players.
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 7
Temperature: Liar, liar pants on fire! 23*C
The case continues...
Saturday, May 12, 2007
'Legal Eagles'.............DowieGateDisgrace. Court Days One, Two & Three
Simon 'Robert Redford' Jordan Versus Iain 'Debra Winger' Dowie
Presiding is:- Justice Tugendhat.
Venue - Court 16 of the High Court.
In the Dock - Simon 'Bob' Jordan - Crystal Palace Football Club chairman & owner and Iain 'Debra' Dowie - Former Palace manager and now current manager of Coventry City F.C.
Mr Dowie's barrister:- Michael McParland.
Crystal Palace's barrister:- John Davies QC
Witness - Peter 'Reg' Varney - Charlton Athletic chief-executive
Witness - Richard 'Dicky' Murray Charlton Athletic chairman
The details outlining the case:
Crystal Palace's £1million legal battle against former manager Iain Dowie started in the High Court today.
Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has accused Dowie of "fraudulent misrepresentation" when he negotiated his departure from the club a year ago and is suing Dowie for damages in excess of £1million.
Round One - Day One - Wednesday 9th May 2007
In Court today...
Jordan's evidence was that that Dowie (the manager) was released from his contract and as a gesture of goodwill, Jordan (the chairman) agreed to waive the clause in Dowie's contract to the effect that, if he left to join another club, his new bosses would pay Palace £1million in compensation, purely and simply because Dowie was homesick and wanted to move closer to his family in Bolton.
But eight days later, Dowie was appointed manager of Charlton - just a few miles down the road in South London.
In addition it is being alleged that Dowie in his senior position at Selhurst Park, owed the club a "fiduciary duty", or the highest duty of care, which ranked above his own interests.
Jordan admitted in evidence he fell out with Charlton over Addicks vice-chairman Richard Murray's comments, "enjoy the Championship, tosser" and "do you want a fight" when their 2-2 draw at The Valley in 2005 sealed Palace's relegation.
Jordan said: "As a result I would NOT do anything knowingly to assist Charlton."
But he added: "I assure the court I commenced this litigation intending to pursue it for proper purposes to recover compensation."
Dowie's lawyers claimed the Palace owner bought the case just to get back at Charlton.
Dowie himself denied he intended to join fierce rivals Charlton when he departed and has insisted he never publicly stated he wanted to leave the club to be nearer his family, and that he was in fact hounded out by Jordan.
In a show of yet more vintage Jordan song and dance, he then sent a henchman to hijack the Charlton press conference called to unveil Dowie as the new Charlton boss, and he issued the former West Ham man with a writ despite several attempts to banish him from the room. All of which was televised live by Sky.
(Even if I have to say so myself, the action and timing of the issuing of that writ by Jordan was in itself, undeniably a publicity masterstroke of monumental proportions!)
Dowie was sacked by Charlton after only 12 Premiership games in charge.
Charlton are not being sued but their chief executive Peter Varney is a witness in the case.
Counterclaims for defamation & breach of contract could follow.
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 7
Temperature: Warming up nicely: 21*C
The case continues...
Round Two - Day Two - Thursday 10th May 2007
In Court today:
Palace reiterated that Dowie "made representations of fact which were knowingly false" when he said his reason for leaving was to go north.
In his written defence statement Dowie said that the compromise was a "clean break" with Palace letting him leave thus avoiding having to pay him substantial contractual entitlements.
The statement continued: "Unfortunately for Mr. Dowie, Mr. Jordan has a particular dislike of Charlton, Mr. Murray and their fans. In reality, Mr.Jordan's dislike of Charlton and a desire to damage that club, given that Mr. Dowie became their manager, was a particular motivation for bringing this action."
Jordan was so livid with the comments made to him by Charlton vice-chairman Murray after the 2-2 game, that he urged Dowie NOT to join a club "which was dancing on our f-ing graves."
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 5, Jordan 6
Temperature: Dull and overcast: 19*C
The case continues...
Round Three - Day Three - Friday 11th May 2007
In Court today :
Simon Jordan who was in the witness box for five hours, denied telling the lads' mag FHM he "hated" Iain Dowie but then admitted he "couldn't stand" his former manager.
What I said was that "I couldn't stand Iain Dowie," but it was 'tongue in cheek,' and said in a 'jocular' tone of voice.
But he admitted he told Dowie he did not like working with him and accused him of a "lack of respect."
Jordon also denied that he refused to give Dowie a decent transfer budget.
Jordan claimed he turned down Dowie targets Tim Cahill and Michael Carrick over agent's fees demands.
Jordan continued by saying when he offered to watch a video of a match with Dowie to discuss players, Jordon claimed: Iain said "under NO circumstances am I going to watch matches with you. If you want to manage, do your coaching badges."
Jordan added he did NOT want to sack Dowie, even after a heated telephone conversation following Palace's semi-final play-off defeat last season.
He said: "I told Iain in the past I did NOT enjoy working with him but I do have great regard for him as a coach and to lose him before this season - such a critical season - was a bloody disaster."
Dowie's barrister, Michael McParland, then put it to Mr Jordan that he had "no respect" for the legal system, an allegation he denied.
Mr McParland referred to other parts of the FHM article in which Jordan had said that it was "hilarious" that Tara Stout, who was convicted of stalking him, had spent extra time on remand in prison because he postponed a court hearing due to business commitments.
Arguing that he had been "misrepresented" in the article, Mr Jordan denied using the word "hilarious".
But Mr McParland insisted: "You thought you had pulled a stroke."
Jordan replied: "I was busy. I was otherwise engaged."
The barrister continued: "You made her life difficult."
Jordan said: "That's not my concern, what the legal system does. It's not my jurisdiction."
Mr McParland asked: "You misused the system because you wanted to punish her. You made a big joke of it in a lads' mag."
Jordan replied: "No I didn't. I may have said it is ironic. I'd had 18 months of systematic abuse."
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 8, Jordan 7
Temperature: Fire up that BBQ: 23*C
The case continues...
Presiding is:- Justice Tugendhat.
Venue - Court 16 of the High Court.
In the Dock - Simon 'Bob' Jordan - Crystal Palace Football Club chairman & owner and Iain 'Debra' Dowie - Former Palace manager and now current manager of Coventry City F.C.
Mr Dowie's barrister:- Michael McParland.
Crystal Palace's barrister:- John Davies QC
Witness - Peter 'Reg' Varney - Charlton Athletic chief-executive
Witness - Richard 'Dicky' Murray Charlton Athletic chairman
The details outlining the case:
Crystal Palace's £1million legal battle against former manager Iain Dowie started in the High Court today.
Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has accused Dowie of "fraudulent misrepresentation" when he negotiated his departure from the club a year ago and is suing Dowie for damages in excess of £1million.
Round One - Day One - Wednesday 9th May 2007
In Court today...
Jordan's evidence was that that Dowie (the manager) was released from his contract and as a gesture of goodwill, Jordan (the chairman) agreed to waive the clause in Dowie's contract to the effect that, if he left to join another club, his new bosses would pay Palace £1million in compensation, purely and simply because Dowie was homesick and wanted to move closer to his family in Bolton.
But eight days later, Dowie was appointed manager of Charlton - just a few miles down the road in South London.
In addition it is being alleged that Dowie in his senior position at Selhurst Park, owed the club a "fiduciary duty", or the highest duty of care, which ranked above his own interests.
Jordan admitted in evidence he fell out with Charlton over Addicks vice-chairman Richard Murray's comments, "enjoy the Championship, tosser" and "do you want a fight" when their 2-2 draw at The Valley in 2005 sealed Palace's relegation.
Jordan said: "As a result I would NOT do anything knowingly to assist Charlton."
But he added: "I assure the court I commenced this litigation intending to pursue it for proper purposes to recover compensation."
Dowie's lawyers claimed the Palace owner bought the case just to get back at Charlton.
Dowie himself denied he intended to join fierce rivals Charlton when he departed and has insisted he never publicly stated he wanted to leave the club to be nearer his family, and that he was in fact hounded out by Jordan.
In a show of yet more vintage Jordan song and dance, he then sent a henchman to hijack the Charlton press conference called to unveil Dowie as the new Charlton boss, and he issued the former West Ham man with a writ despite several attempts to banish him from the room. All of which was televised live by Sky.
(Even if I have to say so myself, the action and timing of the issuing of that writ by Jordan was in itself, undeniably a publicity masterstroke of monumental proportions!)
Dowie was sacked by Charlton after only 12 Premiership games in charge.
Charlton are not being sued but their chief executive Peter Varney is a witness in the case.
Counterclaims for defamation & breach of contract could follow.
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 6, Jordan 7
Temperature: Warming up nicely: 21*C
The case continues...
Round Two - Day Two - Thursday 10th May 2007
In Court today:
Palace reiterated that Dowie "made representations of fact which were knowingly false" when he said his reason for leaving was to go north.
In his written defence statement Dowie said that the compromise was a "clean break" with Palace letting him leave thus avoiding having to pay him substantial contractual entitlements.
The statement continued: "Unfortunately for Mr. Dowie, Mr. Jordan has a particular dislike of Charlton, Mr. Murray and their fans. In reality, Mr.Jordan's dislike of Charlton and a desire to damage that club, given that Mr. Dowie became their manager, was a particular motivation for bringing this action."
Jordan was so livid with the comments made to him by Charlton vice-chairman Murray after the 2-2 game, that he urged Dowie NOT to join a club "which was dancing on our f-ing graves."
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 5, Jordan 6
Temperature: Dull and overcast: 19*C
The case continues...
Round Three - Day Three - Friday 11th May 2007
In Court today :
Simon Jordan who was in the witness box for five hours, denied telling the lads' mag FHM he "hated" Iain Dowie but then admitted he "couldn't stand" his former manager.
What I said was that "I couldn't stand Iain Dowie," but it was 'tongue in cheek,' and said in a 'jocular' tone of voice.
But he admitted he told Dowie he did not like working with him and accused him of a "lack of respect."
Jordon also denied that he refused to give Dowie a decent transfer budget.
Jordan claimed he turned down Dowie targets Tim Cahill and Michael Carrick over agent's fees demands.
Jordan continued by saying when he offered to watch a video of a match with Dowie to discuss players, Jordon claimed: Iain said "under NO circumstances am I going to watch matches with you. If you want to manage, do your coaching badges."
Jordan added he did NOT want to sack Dowie, even after a heated telephone conversation following Palace's semi-final play-off defeat last season.
He said: "I told Iain in the past I did NOT enjoy working with him but I do have great regard for him as a coach and to lose him before this season - such a critical season - was a bloody disaster."
Dowie's barrister, Michael McParland, then put it to Mr Jordan that he had "no respect" for the legal system, an allegation he denied.
Mr McParland referred to other parts of the FHM article in which Jordan had said that it was "hilarious" that Tara Stout, who was convicted of stalking him, had spent extra time on remand in prison because he postponed a court hearing due to business commitments.
Arguing that he had been "misrepresented" in the article, Mr Jordan denied using the word "hilarious".
But Mr McParland insisted: "You thought you had pulled a stroke."
Jordan replied: "I was busy. I was otherwise engaged."
The barrister continued: "You made her life difficult."
Jordan said: "That's not my concern, what the legal system does. It's not my jurisdiction."
Mr McParland asked: "You misused the system because you wanted to punish her. You made a big joke of it in a lads' mag."
Jordan replied: "No I didn't. I may have said it is ironic. I'd had 18 months of systematic abuse."
Tale of the Tape: Dowie 8, Jordan 7
Temperature: Fire up that BBQ: 23*C
The case continues...
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