Ricoh Northampton row signals another legal battle

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The Coventry stadium has threatened to sue The Cobblers Credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

The news today that the Ricoh Arena will sue Northampton Town if it lets Coventry City use its Sixfields Stadium - hints at yet more legal wrangling over the club's future.

Coventry are insisting they cannot return to the Ricoh - and have agreed a deal to use Northampton's Sixfields Stadium for at least three years.

Arena Coventry Limited, the company which runs the stadium, is claiming that its rent deal with the Sky Blues signed in 2006 still stands, even though the club is in administration - and will still be at the start of the season.

Its case is that Northampton are helping Coventry break this deal - and would therefore have to pay compensation.

The Cobblers though - have been quick to defend themselves, saying they will not be 'bullied or threatened'.

The Ricoh's lawyers have described the situation as a case of 'straightforward contract law' - while Northampton say it is 'without any legal merit'.

If Coventry do play at the Sixfields Stadium next season - the decision on who is right - will be made in the courts.