Palace issue writ over Dowie's exit

The new Charlton manager, Iain Dowie, has finally been served with a writ by his former club Crystal Palace.

Dowie is being sued for "fraudulent representation", with the Palace chairman, Simon Jordan, claiming that he only released Dowie from his contract in order to allow the 41-year-old to be reunited with his family in the North-west. Last month Dowie was appointed by Charlton. Jordan took another swipe at Charlton on Tuesday when Peter Taylor was unveiled as the new Palace manager, highlighting that he had paid £300,000 in compensation to Hull for the former England Under-21 coach.

Elsewhere, Everton are in early discussions regarding plans to build a 55,000-seater stadium in the Kirkby area of Liverpool. The move would involve Tesco and could see the development of a supermarket as well as other shops and a hotel on the site. Any move would require the backing of Knowsley Council, with hopes the stadium and shops would create jobs. Everton have been at their Goodison Park ground since 1892.

West Ham have completed the signing of Jonathan Spector from Manchester United for an initial fee of £500,000. The American-born defender, 20, made eight appearances for United after joining in 2003. He spent last season out on loan with Charlton, and only missed out on a place in the United State's World Cup squad after dislocating his shoulder.

The Hammers striker Yaniv Katan has returned to Maccabi Haifa on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move home.

John Schofield has been appointed head coach of Lincoln with John Deehan named director of football at Sincil Bank. The former Imp, who made almost 300 appearances in his playing days for the club, has signed a two-year contract.