Hearts, Duncan in tug-of-war
Embattled David Duncan and his former employers, Accra Hearts of Oak, resume their love-turned-sour story at the Player Status Committee of the Ghana Football Association tomorrow in an attempt to settle the dispute over compensation.
Advertisement
Coach Duncan, sacked by Hearts last month despite returning the club to their best shape in more than five years, petitioned the GFA’s sub-committee following his sudden dismissal.
Reliable sources say he is seeking adequate compensation – which is three months’ salary according to the Labour Act – for his dismissal, although Hearts officials say no real figures have been put to them yet.
Duncan was said to be on a GH¢7,000 a month salary, meaning he would be entitled to GH¢21,000 if the Labour Act is implemented in his favour.
But on the sidelines of the ‘legal’ battle, Hearts officials are set to make a move for the official vehicle of their former coach.
A source close to Duncan told Graphic Sports that the coach had never prevented the club from taking possession of the car handed to him six months after taking up the job last year.
“He was using his own car before that car was given to him, and as we speak he is using his own car; he doesn’t use the Hearts vehicle,” the source said.
“He has never claimed ownership of the vehicle, neither has he prevented his former employers from taking possession.”
The matter of the club’s vehicle in the possession of the coach is likely to come up at tomorrow’s hearing, but the stance by the coach may negate any litigation over the issue.
Inside sources have told Graphic Sports that Hearts officials have lined up a defence that implicates Coach Duncan in his eventual departure from the job he for just about one year.
A text message from the coach which indicated an intended trip to Sunyani and a possibility of quitting the club is being used as a major card, although the trip did not happen and he still remained at post.