Gretna criticised Alexander for his actions at Fir Park on Saturday

Alexander was given leave of absence in March, with assistant David Irons being named head coach before the new season.

And Alexander was refused entry to Saturday's opening SPL game against Falkirk after reporting "fit for work".

Gretna say his actions brought the club into disrepute, while his lawyer wants negotiations over his five-year deal.

His rolling contract has not been terminated, but he has been asked to stay away from the club.

Alexander's advisors believe he is due at least �500,000 if his contract is ended or breached.

Rowan Alexander's attendance (at Fir Park) was clearly intended to bring the name of the club into disrepute Gretna statement

His lawyer, Leo Martin, told BBC Sport he hoped an out-of-court settlement could be found.

"Today, Leo Martin called Jim Gemmell, who in turn promised to speak with Brooks Mileson, hopefully passing on the message that we would be happy to travel to Gretna for a meeting on Tuesday," said the former manager.

"Mr Gemmell did not respond, so a fax was also sent, requesting a meeting to clarify the club's intentions regarding my position.

"Again, while the club have managed to issue a press statement, we have not received a response from Mr Gemmell or the club as promised.

"As was previously stated, if Gretna would prefer my solicitor to be in contact directly with their solicitors then we are happy to proceed in that direction."

Alexander's position at the club has been unclear since March, when Irons stepped in as caretaker coach.

The former Morton striker, who signed a five-year rolling contract in May 2006 along with Irons as his number two, had previously said that he hoped to return to his post after the summer break.

Gretna have criticised Alexander for his actions on Saturday, suggesting they were stage-managed to ensure maximum bad publicity for the club.

MY SPORT: DEBATE At Fir Park, Rowan Alexander arrived to take charge of his team. More accurately, he poised a publicity stunt SPL Previewer

In a statement on Gretna's website, the club said: "Rowan Alexander's attendance was clearly intended to bring the name of the club into disrepute, as demonstrated by his prepared press statement, and was also in breach of an agreement between himself and the club that he refrain from attendance until his own situation at the club has been resolved.

"To that end, and following a meeting with himself and his agent, Kevin Drinkell, on 25 June, the club wrote to him on 26 June, spoke to him on 29 June and wrote to him again on 11 July and 1 August.

"As at today's date, we have still not been afforded the courtesy of a reply from him and therefore the club totally refutes any suggestion that delays in resolving his situation have been caused by the club."

The club also said Alexander had not been the subject of disciplinary action but added that "in the light of Saturday's events may now be forced to reconsider its position in this regard".