Batty begins legal action over Ridsdale comments

David Batty's threat of legal action against Leeds United has taken a step forward following talks with his lawyers. The outcast midfielder sought legal advice after the club's chairman, Peter Ridsdale, declared at United's annual general meeting on Friday that the former England player was no longer capable of taking part in football at the top level.

Batty has been frozen out at Leeds since the arrival in the summer of Terry Venables. The manager felt that the 34-year-old was unable to operate effectively in the Premiership after studying videos of his performances last season.

Ridsdale claimed it was the unanimous opinion of Venables, Leeds' former manager David O'Leary, the club's medical staff and independent medical advisors that, due to Batty's knee problems he cannot play in English football's top flight.

Batty is on the injury list for another month with tendinitis but, even if he does ultimately require surgery, there is no suggestion the injury is career-threatening even though Ridsdale had hinted at the possibility of retirement.

But Batty has no intention of retiring and is known to be upset at the claims made at the AGM by Ridsdale, who received support from Allan Leighton, with the club's deputy chairman insisting there was "no whitewash".

Prior to the meeting, Batty had suggested last week that, in light of the club's results and performances, he be given one chance to prove himself to Venables once fully fit.

Batty's agent, Hayden Evans, was left fuming with Leeds' comments and raised a number of valid points which they are now likely to be seeking clarification on from the club's lawyers.

Evans was eager to know who the medical advisors and independent specialists are, where the medical records are that confirm a persistent knee problem and has an insurance claim been submitted by Leeds to support their claim of Batty's inability to continue.

He also queried if the club were enforcing retirement were they intending to settle Batty's contract, if further independent medical opinion disputed their belief would Batty be selected to play for Leeds, and why they have chosen to ignore his request for a chance to prove his ability.

Evans said: "We saw our lawyers yesterday. They have recommended we don't make any formal statement until communication, via a letter from them to Leeds United, has been issued. That will be done by Friday, or Monday at the latest, and we will then await a formal response from Leeds."

Batty still has another 19 months of his £25,000-per-week contract remaining and although Venables recently offered him a role coaching the youngsters, that did not appeal.

Evans added: "David enjoys being one of the lads, and anybody who knows him knows he has never had any intention of a career in football [coaching]. His decision to turn that down was not a slight on Terry."

Venables has faced continual problems since taking over at Elland Road, coming in for severe criticism with Leeds languishing in a dismal 16th place, just three points off the relegation zone.