Ex-club chiefs appear in court

John Russell and Mike Lewis are accused of defrauding the club

Two former directors of Exeter City Football Club have appeared before Exeter Crown Court following a police fraud squad investigation.

Ex-chairman John Russell, 48, from Brighouse, West Yorkshire and 63-year-old Mike Lewis, from Swansea are accused of conspiracy to defraud.

The pair appeared at Exeter Crown Court for a preliminary hearing.

The alleged offences, involving the defrauding of creditors, were committed between April 2002 and May 2003.

Other charges include obtaining pecuniary advantage by deception and carrying on a business.

Police conducted a 20-month investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the football club.

The case was adjourned until 13 May and the defendants' unconditional bail was extended.