Ex-football boss sues former club

A SCOTS football boss is suing his former club in a £17,500 bonus row.

Martin Lauchlan claims he is owed the cash from his time with East Kilbride FC.

Lauchlan was manager of the Lowland League side when they won the 2016/17 title and beat Buckie Thistle in a SPFL play-off semi final.

The ex-St Johnstone player alleges a bonus agreement was made with a club director who apparently told him he could be “trusted” and was a “wealthy man”.

Lauchlan is now suing East Kilbride FC at a civil hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court amid claims he did not receive money said to have been owed.

East Kilbride deny the accusations and insisted the action should be “dismissed”.

It is said Lauchlan started at East Kilbride on March 21 2016. He was given a “letter of agreement” which was signed weeks later.

East Kilbride went on to win the league in early April 2017.

The court papers claim:

“Mr Lauchlan telephoned Mr Kean to discuss payment of the bonus.

“Mr Kean advised that his bonus would be paid at the end of the season.”

EK later won a play-off semi final against Buckie Thistle on May 6 2017.

It is said: “Mr Lauchlan considered he was entitled to payment of the first two bonuses of the three agreed between him and Mr Kean at the meeting on March 18 2016.”

Mr Lauchlan, it is claimed, telephoned chairman Mark Horner to “raise concerns” about the bonus payments.

At a meeting at Mr Horner’s restaurant, Mr Lauchlan was said to have been told his contract was not being renewed and that he should talk with Mr Kean about any alleged payments.

A hearing took place last week.

Sheriff Alayne Swanson adjourned the case to consider her decision.

A judgement will be made at a later date.