Bates makes Owls plea

Bates says his interest depends on an inspection of the club's accounts - and claims Wednesday have not provided him with enough financial information.

But Allen says Bates has not made a formal request to see the Owls' books.

Allen said: "He's obviously trying to destabilise the club and to some extent he's succeeding."

The Owls chief says he is happy to provide Bates with any information - when he is asked for it.

"We asked him to write to us and told him that if there was anything else that we hadn't discussed, to let us know and we would forward it to him," he said.

This is not two men at loggerheads. I will do whatever is in the best interest of this business Dave Allen

"But we haven't heard anything in writing.

"All we have is a lot of huff and puff, and I have to say the man is economical with the truth.

"I have to settle the staff down on a daily basis now because of his comments.

"But probably that's the way he likes doing business - and it's an extremely unprofessional way of doing business."

Allen denied his rift with Bates is a personal argument, and insisted he is merely trying to safeguard the club.

"This is not two men at loggerheads," he added. "I will do whatever is in the best interests of this business.

"But at the end of the day I've got a duty to make sure it's been done correctly, and that it is in the best interests of the club."

Allen also questioned the impact Bates can make with his investment - and his plans for the Owls.

"If he's got �10m. he's going to have to spend �7m to get the director's loans out of the way, and the shares - that leaves him with �3m.

"He says he's not going to sell the training ground, and if he's not going to do that, how is he going to reduce the debt?"