Gregory finally agrees to settlement with Derby

John Gregory has settled his dispute with his former club Derby County and agreed to accept an undisclosed sum.

John Gregory has settled his dispute with his former club Derby County and agreed to accept an undisclosed sum.

The former Aston Villa manager agreed to the settlement after he sued the Pride Park club following his controversial departure. Gregory was the subject of allegations over his training methods and treatment of players when he was in charge at Derby.

A statement from his solicitor read: "John Gregory and Derby County Football Club have today reached an agreement settling John Gregory's claim against the club for an undisclosed sum.

"John Gregory has agreed to accept the settlement and recognises that the present board has dealt with the litigation in a pragmatic way.

"He has also agreed that the settlement sum be paid by instalments over several years.

"The club has agreed to pay the settlement sum in order to enable the club and its present board to concentrate on football matters and in particular the present fight against relegation.

"John Gregory bears no ill will towards the present board, the club or its supporters and wishes them well in their fight against relegation. He hopes the club achieves the success which its supporters deserve."

* Jay-Jay Okocha has confirmed he is ready to resume contract negotiations after Bolton all but guaranteed their Premiership status with Monday's victory at Wolverhampton. The Nigerian international, who arrived in the summer of 2002, said: "We're in a better position now and I don't have to be difficult to deal with. I think I'll be more relaxed now and we can carry on the negotiations."