Manager Royle loses court battle
LONDON, England -- Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle must hand back damages worth more that 400,000 pounds ($768,000) to his former club Manchester City after an Appeal Court ruling in London on Tuesday.
The ruling overturned a High Court decision that Royle was entitled to 750,000 pounds compensation when he was sacked by City in 2001.
He had argued successfully in the earlier hearing that City were technically still in the Premier League when was sacked and his payoff should reflect that status.
The 55-year-old, who was not present at the ruling, was refused permission to appeal to the House of Lords and must now ask the Law Lords directly for the go-ahead to take his case further.
Manchester City had urged the appeal judges to reflect the reality of the circumstances at the time of Royle's departure in May 2001 - City's relegation from the Premier League as soon as the team's last match was played.
City officials asked the judges to rule that Royle was not entitled to be compensated on a full salary basis as though the club were still in the Premiership.
Royle argued that the club was not actually sent down to the First Division until some time later, when the three relegated clubs handed over their Premiership company shares to the three promoted teams.
Royle said: "I am pleased the behaviour of the club has been criticized. When I was given the money after the earlier case City suggested it go to charity, so I assume they will adhere to their own suggestion.
"I don't want to become embroiled in a war of words, and the final line is this is going to the House of Lords. I don't have any regrets about the way this has gone, because the legal system is there to be used."
Royle's new charges Ipswich are in contention to join Manchester City in the top flight next season.
Reuters contributed to this report.
