A legal case brought against Dundee United by a sacked employee that threatened to expose a so-called banter culture at the club has settled ahead of a public hearing.
Accommodation manager Gordon Grady – whose last Tangerines role included looking after the U-20s team – launched an employment tribunal last June, suing the Tannadice side for unfair dismissal.
But the Courier has learnt Mr Grady and United have reached a private settlement in recent weeks, shortly before the case was due to be heard.
Ryan Russell – the axed youth caretaker’s solicitor – said: “I am not in a position to comment at this time.”
Mr Grady, 54, also declined to comment, while Dundee United have been given the chance to respond.
‘Gross misconduct’ dismissal
The case was scheduled to go ahead between May 8 and May 22 at the Employment Tribunal Service offices in Dundee.
It came after Mr Grady was sacked by the club for “gross misconduct” after an alleged incident, in September 2021 at The Cedars mansion house in Perth Road, which is said to have involved a 17-year-old male.
The property is used as a base for youth players.
It is understood the player involved did not make a complaint.
Had the tribunal gone ahead, it is believed tales of regular boisterous behaviour among players and staff would have been revealed.
Mr Grady, whose brother is former player James, previously claimed the allegations against him were exaggerated.
He also alleged his treatment at the club – where he had held various roles over a 26-year period – had been inconsistent.
‘Friends for life’
After The Courier revealed his exit last April, the former kitman wrote on Twitter: “I didn’t intend to put anything out about me being away until it was all over.
“But as it’s out there now, I’m obviously limited as to what I can say.
“I’d just like to say that over my 25 plus years at United I have absolutely loved it (with exception of last few) and met thousands of really nice people through my various roles at the club and loads who are now friends for life.
“I’m gutted that it’s come to this and the truth will come out in the end. I’d like to wish the team all the best for the remainder of the season.”
At the time, a spokesperson for Dundee United said: “We can confirm an employee was recently dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct following a child protection investigation.”
A number of witnesses were due to be called to give verbal evidence at the employment tribunal including former sporting director Tony Asghar, ex-academy chief Andy Goldie, chief executive Luigi Capuano and former director David Dorward.
