Coventry Rugby Club chairman Keith Fairbrother is prepared to go to court over a financial battle with the club’s receivers.

Fairbrother and Coventry Ventures Limited, who bought the club in August, claim receivers Brian Ralley and John Kelly of Buchler Philips owe them money from England Rugby Partnership and for fixtures and fittings.

They have, therefore, withheld a £10,500 final payment for the Coundon Road club until the row is settled.

Fairbrother, a front row forward with the club in the 1960s, said he was dismayed at the turn of events after a successful season.

He said:

"We have the money and have offered to pay it into an escrow account – when it can’t be withdrawn without everyone agreeing – as a sign of good faith. We have worked hard to pick the club up and make it a success and we do have the money.

"When we got into the club we discovered that things we consider fixtures and fittings – kitchen and ground-keeping equipment – had been removed.

"Then on top of that we thought we would be due a payment of £25,000 which was made to all Allied Dunbar Premiership Two clubs. That related to August and was paid at the beginning of that month. We bought the club on 4 August, and feel we are owed it all bar the first four days.

"All our staff were very helpful to the receivers and we think we are owed something.

"We have now had a five line letter from solicitors saying that if we did not pay by Monday we would be bankrupted. We do have the money but if that is their chosen course of action then we will welcome our day in court."