COURT proceedings have been issued by Gianluca Vialli against Watford FC following his dismissal as Hornets' manager in June last year.

A brief statement from the Division One club says they hope the issue "can be settled at a reasonable level without the need for it to be heard in court".

The former Chelsea boss and legendary Italian international striker was axed by the Hornets in the wake of the ITV Digital disaster, having not enjoyed great success during his year at the helm of the Vicarage Road club.

February 7, 2003 14:00