Sky Sports.com

Rooney: Allegations

Related links

Teams

• Everton
• Manchester United

Players

• Wayne Rooney

Also see

• Everton fixtures
• Everton stats
• Everton forum

David Moyes has won 'substantial' damages following his libel battle with Wayne Rooney, ghost writer Hunter Davies and publishers HarperCollins.

The Everton boss was unhappy with allegations made in the former Toffees striker's autobiography 'My Story So Far'.

The England international had accused the Scotsman of a 'serious breach of trust' following newspaper reports concerning his private life in 2004.

The striker alleged that his manager had leaked private conversations to the Liverpool Echo, resulting in stories which were damaging to his public image.

The book also accused Moyes of being overbearing, controlling and ultimately responsible for Rooney turning his back on his boyhood idols when he completed a £27million transfer to Manchester United in August 2004.

Moyes has strenuously denied the allegations and is believed to have received a settlement of around £500,000.

Resolved

In a statement the Everton manager said: "I am glad that these issues have now been resolved and that my name has been fully cleared in this matter.

"Anyone who knows me well would, I hope, regard me as a man of honour and integrity. I was disappointed and wanted people to know that what had been written was completely untrue. I felt that I had no choice but to take action for a full apology and damages.

"Having accepted these, I do not intend to make any financial gain from this and shall give that to the Everton Former Players' Foundation.

"All of the above said, we have now moved on and I wish Wayne and his family all the best for the future both on the field and off it."

The case went before the High Court on Tuesday, with Moyes also seeking to prevent the offending passages from being published again in future copies of the autobiography.

Respect

It is believed to be the first time a manager has sued a former player, but Moyes' solicitor Edward Parladorio believes his client was left with little choice.

"The professional relationship between a football manager and his players, especially when they are so young, is of paramount importance and depends on a high level of trust between the two.

"The untrue suggestion in Wayne Rooney's autobiography that David Moyes had in some way abused that trust, when in such a position of responsibility, was damaging to his personal and professional reputation and to his integrity.

"David Moyes prides himself on his ability to properly look after young players and to create a safe, professional and controlled environment around them at Everton Football club.

"He always had, and retains, considerable professional respect for Wayne Rooney as a top footballer and always sought to do the best for him.

"Mr Moyes took legal action in relation to the statements in the book with some reluctance but realising he had little alternative but to ensure the truth was established and his reputation protected."