Robbie Williams removed the lyrics before Rudebox was released

In the lyrics of a song called The 90s, the singer suggested Nigel Martin-Smith had stolen funds from the band.

David Sherborne, Mr Martin-Smith's counsel, told the High Court that the lyrics had been changed prior to the release of the Rudebox album in 2006.

He said the 33-year-old star "wishes now to apologise publicly".

'Regrettable'

Mr Sherborne added: "Robbie Williams did not intend to allege that Nigel Martin-Smith has ever stolen any funds from Take That or anyone."

Mr Martin-Smith's solicitor, Gary Lux, said after the brief hearing that the former Take That manager had not wanted the matter "to come this far".

"It is regrettable," said Mr Lux. "[Williams] wouldn't apologise and that is the reason we ended up at court today."

Mr Martin-Smith managed Take That from their formation in 1990 through to their 1996 break-up.

Williams left the band in 1995 to embark on a solo career.