ONE of the world's oldest amateur football clubs has found itself at the centre of a second legal row over on-the-field injuries.

Four years ago, County Durham team Bishop Auckland had to raise £30,000 to stave off bankruptcy after an opposing player sought compensation for a broken leg.

Officials were left with a hefty legal bill after agreeing to settle out of court, and only a massive campaign led by The Northern Echo and supported by the game's biggest names helped the club survive.

This weekend, the boot is on the other foot as an injured Bishop player is considering whether to take legal action.

Defender Glen Downey broke his ankle in a clash with Guisborough midfielder Paul Harrison, who was immediately transfer-listed by his manager.

The incident happened in the second half of a friendly on Friday night. Harrison had been on the field only for five minutes when he was involved in a tackle on Downey, who had to be stretchered off and taken to hospital.

Downey, 21, broke his ankle and tore a ligament, and is expecting to be out of the game for the rest of the year.

He is seeing a solicitor today for advice on whether to press ahead with legal action.

Last night he said: "I had bad luck with injuries last season, and I'd worked all through the summer to get myself fit. I was pleased with my fitness, and then just before the season starts I get another injury. I'm gutted to say the least."

The tackle took place in front of the Bishop Auckland dugout where manager Tony Lee was sitting. He said: "The lad was in agony, and we asked the referee to abandon the game. Glen won't be able to play for a long time.

"Mark Forster (the Guisborough manager) has phoned several times since Friday night and is very apologetic."

Mr Forster said yesterday afternoon: "We have made Paul Harrison available for transfer as a result of the incident."

Bishop Auckland officials said that Glen Downey's family is "seriously considering" legal action.

Following the 1995 incident involving Macclesfield's George Shepherd and Bishop's Gary Hyde, the Government refused demands from Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster to change the law to protect amateur clubs