A former football agent who is suing Dundee United for £75,000 as his slice of the transfer fee for Johnny Russell has had a setback in his claim against the club.
Lawyers for Charles Duddy, who acted for Russell in negotiations for his transfer to Derby County in summer 2013, were refused permission to amend their pleas to the civil court after a hearing before Sheriff McFarlane in Dundee on Tuesday.
Solicitor Greg Sibbald moved the amendment to be placed before a proof scheduled for April 1.
Mr Sibbald said the intention of the amendment was to “focus the main issue” of the dispute.
He also suggested if the sheriff felt the amendment would prejudice the defence the proof could be dismissed and a new proof date assigned to give the defence more time to prepare their case.
Solicitor Mike Ford, appearing for United, argued the amendment was more like a “rewriting” of the pleas initially put before the court when the record was closed, stating it would prejudice their defence.
Sheriff McFarlane agreed and ruled the amendment was too late and too substantial to be considered.
The refusal will be seen as a blow to Mr Duddy, whose firm Premier Sports Management International Ltd, is claiming the money as 10% of the £750,000 fee Derby County paid for Russell’s signature last year.
At a previous hearing, Sheriff Way had stated that Mr Duddy had presented an “inadequate” case and had allowed a further hearing for his lawyers to produce proof of a contract between the parties.
Dundee United are rejecting the claims, stating that Duddy did not represent the player as he was not a licensed agent and say they had no contract with him.