Darlington Football Club's sacked commercial manager has blamed bad publicity surrounding her industrial tribunal case for her difficulties in finding a new job.

But at a resumed hearing yesterday, Helen Coverdale, 34, admitted she had sold her story to a newspaper for £11,000.

The Newcastle tribunal ruled that Miss Coverdale had been wrongfully dismissed from her post in January.

At yesterday's hearing, called to settle her compensation claim, Miss Coverdale again clashed with Darlington FC chairman George Reynolds.

Presenting evidence to back her claim for a five per cent share of the club's commercial activities, Miss Coverdale challenged the financial documents presented by the football club.

She was sacked over her affair with club director Mike Metcalf, 38, who resigned after revelations of his relationship emerged at the tribunal.

Giving evidence on oath, Miss Coverdale said yesterday that reports of her private life had made it very difficult for her to find new employment, and accused Mr Reynolds of deliberately jeopardising her chances of finding new employment.

Mr Reynolds asked her if it was true that she had sold her story to a Sunday newspaper.

Miss Coverdale conceded that she had been paid £11,000, but said: "It was the only way I could try and clear things up.''

She said: "This payment was a result of the media circus he (Mr Reynolds) created under the privilege of this court.''

Close to tears, Miss Coverdale said she simply wanted to be dealt with fairly and was hoping to start a new permanent job next month.

The club's general secretary, Carol Barnett, said the financial documents were entirely accurate and refuted Miss Coverdale's assertions that important material had been left out.

The hearing was adjourned and a final verdict on the financial settlement will be issued at a later date.