Dowiegate Day Four

The City boss was in the witness box today and was up against John Davies. The QC pointed out he had initially stated at a press conference that he had "no contact whatsoever" with Charlton before his departure from Selhurst Park on May 22 last year and that the first conversation he had with them was two days later. Mr Davies said that after subsequent disclosure of Iain Dowie's mobile phone bills proved this was not true.

Dowie,linked with managerial jobs at Leicester and Northern Ireland told Justice Tugendhat that his recollection was incorrect but any prior contact with Charlton was not about becoming their manager. His first call from Charlton about the job was on the evening of May 22 2006.

Mr Davies then asked Dowie why he had got his dates wrong. Dowie replied saying: "We all make mistakes." Mr Davies followed that saying: "Or was it because it was your first attempt to concoct a false story?" Dowie retorted: "No, there was no attempt to concoct a story. I got the dates wrong. It was a mistake. I have nothing to cover up."

The case continues and is expected to finish on Friday.