Blackwell to sue Leeds

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Leeds United could be hit with another blow with the news that former manager Kevin Blackwell is preparing to sue the club for wrongful dismissal.

The former Sheffield United coach was axed in September after a slow start to the campaign following their play-off final agony last term.

Leeds' move to dismiss Blackwell came after he put pen-to-paper on a fresh three-year deal back in March, when the clubs were challenging for promotion.

However, Leeds chairman Ken Bates has refused to hold talks with Blackwell regarding compensation over the remainder of his deal.

LMA chief executive John Barnwell would have preferred the matter not being taken to court, but feels Blackwell had little option.

"It would appear Leeds don't want to negotiate a settlement," explained Barnwell.

"Mr Bates has said Kevin Blackwell was not dismissed because of poor results but for negative comments made in the press about the club's finances.

"Having looked closely at this case we feel we have no option other than to put the matter in the hands of our lawyers."

The news of Blackwell's decision to sue over compensation is yet another blow following the team's disappointing weekend 3-0 home loss to Southampton.

Leeds meanwhile have confirmed the matter is in their hands of their lawyers.

Source: http://home.skysports.com