[Joe]

Crystal Palace have taken legal action against former manager Ian Dowie, who was unveiled today as the new Charlton manager.

Eagles chairman Simon Jordan has responded to the appointment by issuing a writ against the 41-year-old former Northern Ireland striker, accusing him of “fraudulently” obtaining a release from a £1m compensation clause in his contract.

The Palace chairman said: “ He told me he wanted to go back to the north to be with his family.

“ My club waived compensation because he wanted to return north.”

The writ, while unable to prevent Dowie becoming Charlton manager, may be one way to claw back the compensation Palace would have received had Jordan not waived the clause.

However, Dowie has denied any wrong doing, insisting that he had no contact with Charlton, prior to his resignation from Palace.

Jordan, however, feels Dowie has a case to answer. He added: “ 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. I would not issue a writ on a point of principle, they’re expensive, I issue it on a point of law.”