THE Jim Harvey saga took an acrimonious turn with the axed manager preparing to go the High Court to try to get compensation for what was left of the final year of his contract.

Harvey, 51, has responded to a club statement which claimed he had been sacked on August 13 for breach of contract after contacting the chairman of a Blue Square Premier club with a view to securing the position of manager.

Harvey strongly denies the accusation, and has asked his solicitor Lindsey Kidd to bring employment tribunal and High Court actions. He claims he was dismissed on July 29, when he missed the club’s annual photoshoot and subsequent friendly against Leeds United.

He said: “The club’s actions leave me with little choice other than to seek legal redress for the monies I am owed.

“I made it perfectly clear that any approach from another club would have to be made via the appropriate channels at Forest Green.”

Last Friday, the Blue Square Premier club broke their silence on the matter, releasing a statement saying: “Forest Green Rovers Football Club are now able to confirm that on Thursday 13th August 2009 the contract of Jim Harvey, as Manager at the club, was terminated.

“During his period of employment as manager, Mr Harvey was interviewed for a similar position at another club without Forest Green Rovers being made aware until after an unsuccessful interview. He apologised, stating it was ‘out of character’.

“As part of the consequence of that specific event Mr Harvey signed a new contract, with an added clause to cover any such future interest with another club. This was agreed in conjunction with his solicitors.

“The substance of this recent matter follows Mr Harvey being requested to account for certain actions which were alleged to have taken place during May and July 2009. It had come to the Club’s attention that Mr Harvey might have been in breach of his contract of employment by attempting to secure a similar position at another club without permission.

“The allegation was found proved, in that Mr Harvey, without the prior permission of the club, had telephoned the Chairman of another club with a view to securing the position of Manager of that club and thereby was in breach of Clause 17.3 of his contract of employment.”

Forest Green are in no rush to appoint a new manager departure despite losing their opening five games.

Club spokesman Colin Peake said: “Whilst we invite applications for the post of manager at the club, David Brown is to be extended the opportunity to continue in charge of team matters.

“The board recognise appointing any manager cannot be a quick process and despite the current start to the season, they know the squad is sound in their football ability.

Jerry Gill is the leading contender to take on the vacant role.

He was Harvey’s assistant last season and has watched the side’s first five matches.

Gill said: “I have been doing some coaching at Birmingham City development programme, I have been told to apply and I will be doing so.”

Other names linked to the post include former Cheltenham Town boss Keith Downing and ex-Robins coach Bob Bloomer.

Former Torquay and Brentford boss Leroy Rosenior and former Southampton youth team coach Dave Hockaday are rumoured to be interested in the role as is ex-Newport County boss Peter Beadle.