Iain Dowie said he got his dates mixed up

The club is suing Dowie for �1m for alleged "fraudulent misrepresentations" when he joined Charlton on 22 May 2006.

He was asked to explain how he at one stage claimed there was no contact with Charlton before he left but mobile phone records proved there had been.

In a written defence statement Mr Dowie said the case was "without merit".

Compensation

Regarding the mobile phone records, he said he had made a mistake and the calls were not about the manager's job.

Dowie, who is now manager of Coventry City, told High Court judge Mr Justice Tugendhat his initial recollection was incorrect.

Crystal Palace chairman, Simon Jordan, has accused Dowie of lying when he said his reason for leaving the club was to be nearer his family in the north of England.

Mr Jordan said he would never have waived the south London club's contractual right to �1m compensation if he had known the manager was planning to move to Charlton, a few miles away.

I have nothing to cover up Iain Dowie

Dowie told the court his first call from Charlton regarding the manager's job was on the evening of 22 May.

Asked why he got his dates wrong, he replied: "We all make mistakes."

John Davies QC, barrister for Crystal Palace, said: "Or was it because it was your first attempt to concoct a false story?"

"No, there was no attempt to concoct a story. I got the dates wrong. It was a mistake. I have nothing to cover up," Dowie replied.