Jordan sues Dowie over Palace exit

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has issued a writ against former manager Iain Dowie, accusing him of “fraudulently” obtaining a release from a £1m compensation clause in his contract.

Dowie was appointed as Alan Curbishley’s replacement at Charlton, prompting a furious response from Jordan.

The Palace chief believes he had reassurances from the former Oldham boss only wanted to leave the club to be closer to his family who still live in the north west.

“If he’s under the impression he can leg me over in the way he has done, then he’s sadly mistaken,” Jordan told Sky Sports News.

A court representative tried to serve the writ on Dowie at today’s press conference confirming his appointment at The Valley but was prevented from doing so.

Jordan added: “My football club waived compensation because he wanted to go back to the north.

“I released him from a £1m compensation clause because he said he wasn’t going to do what he’s done.

“I’ll prove it to the High Court. Iain Dowie had a £1m compensation clause in his contract and there is no reason why I would take that out unless it was as a gesture of goodwill.

“My repayment for that is for Iain to do exactly what he said he was not going to do.”

Dowie, however, has publicly said he wanted to leave Selhurst Park for a “new challenge”.