Former Palace boss Iain Dowie today denied suggestions made in the High Court that he concocted "a false story" about why he left the club last summer.
The Eagles' former boss, who is contesting a £1m compensation case over his departure from the club, was being quizzed over the dates of his initial contact with Charlton Athletic.
John Davies QC, barrister for Crystal Palace, reminded Dowie of a press conference where he claimed he had "no contact whatsoever" with Charlton before leaving Palace on May 22 2006 and that his first conversation with them was two days later.
That was not true, said Mr Davies, citing mobile phone records as evidence.
Dowie said he had got his dates mixed up, but that his prior contact with Charlton was not about the job there. He said the first converstation with Charlton about the manager role was in fact on the evening of May 22.
Asked why he got confused over the dates, Dowie said: "We all make mistakes."
Mr Davies said: "Or was it because it was your first attempt to concoct a false story?"
Dowie replied: "No, there was no attempt to concoct a story. I got the dates wrong. It was a mistake. I have nothing to cover up."
Palace chairman Simon Jordan has accused Dowie of making 'fraudulent mispresentations' over his reasons for leaving the club, when he said he wanted to move north to be closer to his family.
Jordan says Dowie would never have been freely released from his contract had it been known he intended to join neighbouring club Charlton.
The case continues.
The Eagles' former boss, who is contesting a £1m compensation case over his departure from the club, was being quizzed over the dates of his initial contact with Charlton Athletic.
John Davies QC, barrister for Crystal Palace, reminded Dowie of a press conference where he claimed he had "no contact whatsoever" with Charlton before leaving Palace on May 22 2006 and that his first conversation with them was two days later.
That was not true, said Mr Davies, citing mobile phone records as evidence.
Dowie said he had got his dates mixed up, but that his prior contact with Charlton was not about the job there. He said the first converstation with Charlton about the manager role was in fact on the evening of May 22.
Asked why he got confused over the dates, Dowie said: "We all make mistakes."
Mr Davies said: "Or was it because it was your first attempt to concoct a false story?"
Dowie replied: "No, there was no attempt to concoct a story. I got the dates wrong. It was a mistake. I have nothing to cover up."
Palace chairman Simon Jordan has accused Dowie of making 'fraudulent mispresentations' over his reasons for leaving the club, when he said he wanted to move north to be closer to his family.
Jordan says Dowie would never have been freely released from his contract had it been known he intended to join neighbouring club Charlton.
The case continues.