Hull City’s accounts have revealed that Blues midfielder Jimmy Bullard is seeking £2.5 million compensation from his former club in the wake of his summer sacking by the Tigers.
The former Wigan and Fulham man is appealing against the grounds of his Hull exit which came after an alleged incident on a pre-season trip to Slovenia.
In November, an arbitrator appointed by the Football League presided over a preliminary hearing to determine under which provision of his contract — which had two years left to run at £45,000-a-week - Bullard is able to make the claim.
Hull's accounts say the Tigers are "of the opinion that the company has a valid defence” against the claim.
Speaking after signing for Town in August, Bullard was remaining tight-lipped regarding his Hull departure, which is alleged to relate to an altercation with former Hull goalkeeper-coach Joe Corrigan, who has also now left the club: "There’s not too much I can say on that. My lawyers are dealing with it at the minute, so I’ve been told to say that. It’s in my lawyers’ hands.
"I enjoyed my time at Hull, I’ve always said that. I wish all the boys the best, that’s all I’ve got to say on the matter.”