Bradbury takes legal action

Former AFC Bournemouth manager Lee Bradbury is set to take the Cherries to the High Court over claims of wrongful dismissal.

Journeyman striker Bradbury initially joined the Cherries as a player in September 2007 making an immediate impact on his debut scoring both goals in a 2-0 win against Walsall in the Johnstones Paint Trophy.

Bradbury went on to feature in a further 26 games for then manager Kevin Bond's Cherries, however on paper his 3 goals didn't reflect the new found lease of life as a right back. Bradbury was quoted as saying how much he was enjoying his new position - as it gave him the opportunity to practice all the tricks performed on him by defenders during his time as a striker.

He was a big part of the Cherries avoiding relegation out of the Football League and the following seasons promotion winning campaign, playing in a variety of positions.

In January 2011 he was named as caretaker manager following the departure of Eddie Howe to Burnley and stated that he would retire from football while he was manager.

After impressive performances away at Rochdale and at home to Brighton, Bradbury was announced as the permanent manager on 28th January 2011 and remained unbeaten for a further eight matches eventually leading the side to the League One Play-Offs for the first time in the clubs history, eventually losing to Huddersfield on penalties.

The following season after suffering a number of player sales, the Cherries struggled losing six of the opening seven games in the League One season.

The side recovered during September to February climbing from second from bottom in League One to eighth, but after six defeats in eight games in March Bradbury departed Dean Court.

It wasn't clear at the time whether Bradbury had been sacked or had resigned. Although AFC Bournemouth Chairman Eddie Mitchell alluded that Bradbury had resigned after he had suggested that Paul Groves and Shaun Brooks should be promoted to the first team set-up.

Mitchell speaks to Sky Sports News - March 26 2012

While Bradbury insisted that he had been dismissed.

Bradbury: I was dismissed - March 27 2012

Bradbury is now taking his claims to the High Court and is pursue around £350,000 in damages according to the Daily Echo.

The Echo has reported that Bradbury's case '...centres on the apparent circumstances surrounding his Cherries departure - with Bradbury alleging breach of contract...' with Bradbury claiming he was dismissed and AFC Bournemouth Director of Football Tom Mitchell claiming Bradbury resigned.

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