By Chris Hardy

BRECHIN CITY fans have been stunned by the news that former manager Ian Campbell is suing the club and its committee for unfair dismissal.

His claim involves a five- figure sum, believed to be around £20,000, and a demand for a public apology.

Both sides have employed legal representation to argue their cases before an employment tribunal.

Brechin had hoped the issues would be resolved within football and City chairman David Birse said yesterday, “I am very disappointed it has got to this.”

Neither side wished to make further comment.

Mr Campbell was a Glebe Park legendand the club’s all-time leading goalscorer when playing alongside his twin brother, Dick.

When Dick was appointed manager Ian became his coach and the pair forged one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

When Dick moved to Partick Thistle in January, 2005, City were on their way up to division one and Ian was appointed manager to successfully complete the job.

At the start of the following 2005/06 season, Mr Campbell announced that through Avenue Scotland, his recruitment and human resources company, he would be the club’s major sponsor for its centenary year.

At the time he said, “I believe in Brechin and the philosophy behind the way it is run. We are joining an elite of clubs who have survived more than 100 years and while we are realistic about our aspirations, every penny helps put the club on a sounder financial footing which helps on-field performances.”

The happy union began to sour as Brechin struggled to compete with the other sides in the division and following a 5-1 defeat against Clyde on March 11, City and Mr Campbell parted company.

By the end of the season Brechin were relegated with two wins in 36 games and at the club’s annual general meeting in June an operating loss of over £43,000 was revealed, one of the biggest in the club’s history. Club treasurer Martin Smith reported they had used the sale of a prime asset, the City Club, in an unsuccessful attempt to buy division one survival.