August 17 2003

Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis is to sue Crystal Palace for unfair dismissal.

Francis was sacked as Eagles boss at the end of last season after a disappointing 17 months in charge.

Compensation talks between Francis and Simon Jordan seem to have broken down. And Francis - who had two years left on his contract - has lodged his appeal at Croydon Employment Tribunal.

But John Barnwell, chief executive of the League Managers' Association, said it was unlikely the dispute will end in court.

He said: '"Certainly in my seven years there have been very, very few. Most disputes are settled amicably out of court."