April 15 2003

Selhurst Park

Ron Noades is taking Crystal Palace to court for around £140,000 in unpaid rent and £23,000 in costs, according to tonight's Evening Standard.

But Simon Jordan denies these claims and says he has overpaid Selhurst Park landlord Noades by £175,000.

Jordan said: "We looked at the details of the lease and found we had overpaid Ron Noades by a considerable sum so naturally we asked for our money back and said we would offset it against future payments. He then issued proceedings against us.

"I have no desire to fall out with Ron Noades. All we want is the money we are owed, we have the documentation to prove it.

"But we are more than happy to go to court, take his money and he can pay our costs as well."

There's also a claim that Palace have under-declared season ticket sales to avoid paying Noades money, which could land the club in hot water with the Football League. Noades refused to comment.