Dundee United sporting director Tony Asghar is embroiled in an unfair dismissal claim which is set to go to a hearing next year.
Gordon Grady, who worked with youth players, was sacked in March this year following a “child protection investigation” by the club.
It is understood Mr Asghar is accused of influencing the decision but denies having any involvement.
The exact nature of the incident which led to Mr Grady’s dismissal is yet to be revealed but it has now been confirmed an employment tribunal will be held in May next year to allow a judge to rule on the case.
Allegations of ‘inconsistent treatment’
It will see a host of club figures face questions in-person, many of which will surround their roles in the process.
Written statements will also be provided, potentially from current and former players who worked with Mr Grady.
It’s understood court papers filed with the Employment Tribunal Service include allegations Mr Grady was the subject of inconsistent treatment by Mr Asghar.
The club declined to comment on the latest development but have previously backed the decision and stress the former youth caretaker was sacked for what was perceived as “gross misconduct”.
A number of witnesses are due to be called to give verbal evidence, including Mr Asghar, whose job it is to source and sign footballers who can improve the side.
Other well-known figures at the club set to give evidence include:
- Director David Dorward
- Director Jimmy Fyffe
- Financial director Derek Bond
- Former academy director Andy Goldie (now at Swansea City)
- Chief executive Luigi Capuano
The hearing will take place over 11 days between May 8-22 at the Employment Tribunal Service offices in Dundee.
What do we know so far?
Mr Grady was sacked around six months after the alleged September 2021 incident at The Cedars Mansion on Perth Road.
The property is used as a base for youth players and the incident involved a footballer aged 17 at the time.
The case threatens to expose claims of a so-called banter behaviour at the club.
It could hear tales of regular boisterous behaviour among players and staff and Mr Grady hopes these could undermine the justification given for his dismissal.
The long-serving employee has not directly addressed the allegations or how he was treated but issued a statement on social media when the story first came to light in April.
The 53-year-old said: “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.”
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