Ex-EK club boss loses battle for bonus cash
A football boss has failed in his quest to sue his former club over a £17,500 bonus.
Martin Lauchlan claimed he was owed the cash from his time managing East Kilbride FC.
Mr Lauchlan was in charge of the Lowland League side when they won the 2016/17 title and beat Buckie Thistle in a SPFL play-off semi final.
The former St Johnstone player alleged a bonus agreement was made with a club director, who allegedly told him he could be “trusted” and was a “wealthy man”.
Mr Lauchlan took East Kilbride FC to a civil hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court amid claims he did not receive monies he said he was owed.
East Kilbride denied the accusations and insisted the action should be “dismissed”.
Sheriff Alayne Swanson ruled in favour of the football club, stating that Mr Lauchlan’s version of events “differed entirely” from the club’s.
She added: “Having analysed the facts which I have found to be admitted or proved, I find that on the balance of probabilities, the defender’s version is the more credible and reliable one.
“Mr Lauchlan was not paid wages by East Kilbride FC, he was refunded his expenses at an agreed rate.
“No formal bonus agreement was agreed between Mr Lauchlan and East Kilbride FC.
“I will grant in favour of East Kilbride FC and award expenses to them.”
Court papers stated Mr Lauchlan – then manager of junior side Rossvale – was approached in January 2016 by Paul Kean, a company director of East Kilbride FC.
Mr Lauchlan “confirmed his interest” in the post at the K-Park side and was then invited to watch the club’s Scottish Cup tie with Celtic a few weeks later.
It is said on March 18, 2016, Mr Lauchlan met with Kean to discuss his appointment.
This included claims Mr Kean stated the club offered “a good bonus system”.
This ranged from £5000 to £20,000 for winning certain games or tournaments.
Mr Kean allegedly read the figures from a piece of paper.
It is claimed the talks resulted in a “binding contract” between them.
Mr Lauchlan would allegedly share any bonuses with his assistant manager.
Papers state Mr Kean informed Mr Lauchlan that the club’s main objective was to be promoted from the Scottish Lowland League into SPFL League Two.
The document adds: “If results went well – and there was sponsorship money which was not spent – there could be a bonus available.”
It is said Mr 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.
The documents state Lauchlan subsequently phoned Mr Kean about the bonuses.
Mr Kean allegedly said the club would deduct a sum from the bonus “to reflect a signing fee for one of the players” and that any money would be paid by the time Mr Lauchlan returned from holiday.
Mr Lauchlan was later paid £2500, with his assistant receiving £2000.
The club stated this payment was made on a “discretionary basis” to “recognise the achievement in managing the football team and winning the league.”
The papers add: “The payment was not made on any agreement between the parties.”
The club claimed Mr Lauchlan’s assistant was paid the same rather than the lower sum.
Mr Lauchlan – now boss of Petershill Juniors – alleged he was “contractually entitled” to “payment of bonuses” as a result of the apparent “terms agreed”.
East Kilbride FC insists it “did not offer or agree payment of bonuses and that therefore no payment is outstanding.”
The club stated the court action “should be dismissed”.
East Kilbride claimed that “no bonus structure” was offered and that the club’s annual budget had to be raised from sponsorship as the side had “no other meaningful income”.