Palace take action against Dowie

Dowie (left) and Jordan went their separate ways by mutual consent

Crystal Palace have taken legal action against former boss Iain Dowie, who has been named as Charlton's new manager.

Palace chairman Simon Jordan claimed Dowie made "fraudulent statements about his reasons for leaving the club" when he parted company with the Eagles.

Dowie was Palace manager between 2003 and 22 May 2006 and Jordan said: "He told me he wanted to go back to the north to be with his family.

"My club waived compensation because he said he wanted to return to the north."

Interview: New Charlton boss Iain Dowie

Interview: Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan

Dowie had a compensation clause in his contract which meant if he left for another club they would have to pay Palace £1m.

I would not issue a writ on a point of principle, I issue it on a point of law Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan

However, Jordan agreed to waive that clause and it is this that prompted the chairman to take action.

It is unlikely he would be able to stop Dowie becoming manager of Charlton - but this move may be designed to recover the compensation he would have received through that clause.

Both Dowie and Charlton insist that they never held a conversation until after the manager had parted company with Palace.

"I released him from a £1m compensation clause because he said he wasn't going to do what he's done," said Jordan.

"Iain Dowie had a £1m compensation clause in his contract and there is no reason why I would take that out unless it was as a gesture of goodwill.

"I'll prove it to the High Court. I would not issue a writ on a point of principle, I issue it on a point of law."

Dowie left his post at Selhurst Park by mutual consent and was immediately linked to the Charlton vacancy.

Jordan made it clear at the time he would be unhappy if Dowie were to switch to The Valley saying: "I would be disappointed if Iain were to turn up at Charlton.

I'm not going to let it sour a good day for me Iain Dowie

"He understands my view. I have made this situation far less acrimonious than it could have been."

Dowie, however, has publicly said he wanted to leave Selhurst Park for a "new challenge".

And on Tuesday Dowie said: "The first conversation I had with Charlton was two days after (leaving Palace).

"If that is what he (Jordan) feels then that is what he feels but it totally misrepresents the conversation I had with Simon.

"I'm not going to let it sour a good day for me."

A court representative tried to serve Dowie with the claim during the media conference at The Valley but he was turned away. He completed his legal obligation later in the afternoon.

"I thought it was a joke. I thought it was the pantomime season," said Charlton chairman Richard Murray.

"Simon has always been rather envious or jealous of Charlton because we have had the success he has been striving for, with a wonderful stadium which we own.

"But I do not know what has got his goat. Maybe he should ring me."

Murray added: "We all know that Simon is a good businessman. I am sure if the reasons Iain was leaving for his family to go up north, he would have put that in the contract.

"If he did not, then maybe Simon has not had the best advice.

"What amazes me about Simon is that he writes about me in the papers, maybe he should just pick up the phone and talk to me about it."