HELL HATH NO FURY

From the Mirror:

City have confirmed they are to appeal against Joe Royle's £422,000 compensation award for being sacked as manager.

Any hope of an amicable end to the legal battle, seemingly settled by the High Court yesterday, was ended with Royle's bitter outburst against his former employers yesterday, when he accused the City board of lacking class.

"We have received strong legal advice that there are solid grounds for appeal and we have a duty to do so on behalf of the club - and its supporters and shareholders," said City spokesman Paul Tyrrell.

"The judgement, we believe, is unjust in rewarding Mr Royle at a Premiership rate for a season which had already ended with the disappointment of relegation."

Royle, now boss of Ipswich, was accused of presiding over a drinking culture at Maine Road.

He said: "It is sad to say, but I am afraid the only class at City is on the terraces. I am extremely upset at the scandalous claims made against me. There was never a drinking culture during my time at the club.

"Getting this money was not my primary concern. My primary concern was to get vindication."

That prompted one member of the City hierarchy to ask whether Royle would be prepared to donate the cash to charity.