June 14 2007

Simon Jordan and Iain Dowie

Crystal Palace chief Simon Jordan was thrilled to win his High Court battle with former manager Iain Dowie.

Jordan won his £1m compensation claim against Dowie after suing him for fraudulent misrepresentation when the ex-Eagles boss quit last May.

The chairman said he only released Dowie from his contract on the understanding it was for a job in the north and was angered Dowie made the seven-mile journey to Charlton eight days later.

Jordan told Sky Sports News: "I think it's a good day for football becuase managers' contracts and what people do or say in football and the national game are very important.

"The fact that there was a £1m compensation clause in his contract was neither here nor there. It's not for me to decide what damages a court would award.

"It's not a case of vindication because I didn't have charges bought against me. Having the courage of your convictions to take it to a High Court and bring an action which is a very difficult action to prove fraudulent misrepresentation and be successful is a good thing. I'm pleased from that perspective."

He added: "I don't think you can ever enjoy a court hearing. I don't think you can enjoy being sat in a witness stand for three days with a QC blustering at you, trying with his damndest to discredit you as a person.

"Also, not necessarily focusing on facts, but focusing on your media profile, you as an individual and using that as an example of what kind of a person you are and what may have actually transpired. I don't think you can enjoy it, but you can rise to the challenge.

"If you have the truth on your side and you are prepared to be open and honest and even admit where you've been wrong in certain instances, then you'll be more comfortable than possibly someone who is not telling the truth and is not necessarily having the truth on their side."