A NORTH-EAST football club that sacked a commercial manager has been ordered to pay her a five-figure sum in damages.

Helen Coverdale won a claim for unfair dismissal against Darlington Football Club at an industrial tribunal in January.

Yesterday, it was announced that the club must pay her £12,400. It is believed that club chairman George Reynolds will appeal against the decision.

Miss Coverdale was sacked from her post at the third division club after her affair with a married club director, Mike Metcalf, 38, came to light.

She was involved in a confrontation with her lover's wife in front of fans at half-time during a match and then sacked.

After the tribunal decision, Miss Coverdale said: "The money was never the most important issue. I wanted to see justice done."

In November, the club was ordered to pay former bar supervisor Tracy Bailey £8,500 compensation following a claim for unfair dismissal.

After losing both tribunals, Mr Reynolds shelved a major investment plan for Coundon, County Durham.

Mr Reynolds said at the time: "Basically if you don't want to go to tribunals, don't employ people. It's not worth the hassle."