Harvey and Rovers row escalates

Harvey led Forest Green to their highest Conference finish in 2007-08

Forest Green have confirmed the sacking of Jim Harvey as manager, but the club's statement has drawn an angry response from the former Rovers boss.

"Mr Harvey, without prior permission, had telephoned the chairman of another club with a view to securing the position of manager," Rovers claimed.

Harvey has reiterated a denial of any wrongdoing and his sadness at leaving.

"The club's actions leave me little choice other than to seek legal redress for the monies I am owed," he said.

Harvey and Forest Green disagree on two main points - whether or not he breached his contract and the date he was dismissed.

Rovers - who allowed Harvey to speak to Oxford United in December 2008 - claim he attempted to secure a position at another club without authorisation.

The club insist this had also happened on another occasion during his tenure at the New Lawn, and that they only found out about it after an unsuccessful interview.

Jim Harvey's Forest Green fact file

7 September 2006: Jim Harvey appointed Forest Green manager, with the club bottom of the Conference

2006-07: Harvey guides Rovers to safety, the team finishing 14th

2007-08: Harvey leads Forest Green to their highest ever Conference finish of eighth

2008-09: Rovers reach the third round of the FA Cup for the first time, but struggle in the league, finishing 18th

29 July 2009: Harvey misses club photo call prompting rumours about his position

11 August 2009: Harvey releases statement denying any wrongdoing and claiming he had been sacked on July 29

21 August 2009: Forest Green confirm Harvey's exit, but claim he was dismissed on 13 August

"As part of the consequence of that specific event Mr Harvey signed a new contract, with an added clause to cover any such future interest with another club," it read.

"This was agreed in conjunction with his solicitors.

"The substance of this recent matter follows Mr Harvey being requested to account for certain actions which were alleged to have taken place during May and July 2009."

Although Harvey does not deny talking to other clubs, he does insist that he never did so without permission.

"I deny any wrongdoing and am saddened by the actions of Forest Green Rovers," said Harvey.

"I made it perfectly clear that any approach from another club would have to be made via the appropriate channels at Forest Green Rovers."

Harvey also continued to insist he was dismissed on the day news of the dispute first came to light when he missed the club's annual photo call on 29 July.

Forest Green claim an investigation took place that day, followed by a hearing on August 10 which Harvey did not attend, before his contract was terminated on August 13.

Harvey's solicitor, Lindsey Kidd, also revealed the next stage in the process in the matter which looks likely to continue for some time yet.

"We are instructed to bring Employment Tribunal and High Court actions against the club on his behalf in relation to his contractual and statutory entitlements," she said.

David Brown remains in caretaker charge following the dismissal of Jim Harvey.

But Colin Walker, who was in charge at York City until November 2008, having previously been assistant to Billy McEwan, has been brought in to bolster their back room staff.

And 21-year-old striker Sean Rigg will go straight into the squad for Saturday's trip to Rushden & Diamonds after agreeing to a one-month loan from Bristol Rovers.