A FORMER North-East footballer appeared in court to deny playing a role in an alleged multi-million pound fraud involving apprentice schemes.

Paul Sugrue, 55, of Cardiff, who played for Middlesbrough, Cardiff City and Newport County, appeared alongside Mark Aizlewood, 57, a defender who won 39 caps for Wales and played for various teams including Charlton Athletic, Leeds United and Bristol City.

They pleaded not guilty to fraud by false representation in connection with football-based apprenticeships at London's Southwark Crown Court.

The charges against six people in total were brought after a Serious Fraud Office investigation.

They are accused of making false representations to further education colleges to make a gain.

The charge relates to the Coventry-based Learning and Skills Council and its successor, the Skills Funding Agency, which were both allegedly defrauded between November 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011.

Jack William Harper, 29, of Southport, Merseyside, Christopher Paul Martin, 52, of Catmore, West Berkshire, and Keith Anthony Williams, 44, of Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, also denied the count.

Steven Paul Gooding, 52, of Bridgwater, Somerset, will enter a plea to the alleged conspiracy on October 31.

A second charge of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation was also denied by Aizlewood, Sugrue, Martin and Williams.

It concerns making dishonest representations regarding the accounts of Luis Michael Associates and Luis Michael Training between January 1, 2009, and October 31, 2010.

Harper also denied an additional count of fraud and one of using a false instrument, both of which he stands accused of alone.

They were all bailed to return for trial at the same court on September 4, 2017.