WANDERERS chairman Phil Gartside says he and the club will “robustly defend” themselves against fraud and perjury allegations after being summonsed to court.

The club as a whole is due to plead not guilty to an allegation of fraud at a hearing scheduled for February 25 at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, if the case proceeds.

Mr Gartside, aged 62, is set to answer five counts of perjury and one of fraud, accusations he says he will deny.

Former Wanderers manager Sammy Lee and coach Frank McParland, have both been summonsed to answer perjury allegations.

The hearings in a criminal court follow a civil case at Manchester Civil Justice Centre last year, in which Mr Gartside, Wanderers and seven other defendants were sued by agent Tony McGill.

The case related to the 2007 transfer of Gavin McCann from Aston Villa to Wanderers, which Mr McGill alleged he was cut out of by Wanderers and agency Sports and Entertainment Media Group (SEM).

The judge ruled against him but the agent is now attempting to bring a private prosecution, prompting the court summonses to be issued.

Mr Gartside, of Northwich, told The Bolton News: “We will be robustly defending ourselves against any allegations and deny any wrongdoing again.”

Mr McCann is among the people to be issued with court summonses, and also faces allegations of perjury and fraud.

The official court papers state the fraud allegations against Wanderers and Mr Gartside relate to alleged “numerous false and representational contracts” in June and July 2007.

Wanderers club secretary Simon Marland faces the same accusations as Mr Gartside.

Mr McCann, of Lytham, faces perjury and fraud accusations.

Mr Lee, aged 55, currently assistant manager at Premier League Southampton, is set to face four allegations of perjury.

Mr McParland, aged 55, now sporting director at Wanderers’ Championship rivals Brentford, will also face four counts of perjury. Bolton Wanderers FC and SEM face allegations of fraud.

SEM CEO Jerome Anderson, of Barnet, and Jeffrey Weston, of London, are accused of perjury and fraud. Stephen Horner, from SEM, a witness in the civil case, and David Sheron, of Liverpool, are both accused of perjury.

SEM’s lawyers said: “SEM and Jerome Anderson are aware that a private prosecution has been commenced by Tony McGill and that summonses have been issued.

“Mr McGill’s allegations apparently arise from claims made by him against SEM and Mr Anderson in a case which was heard in the Manchester Mercantile Court last year.

“Mr McGill’s claims were found to be without foundation and were dismissed.”

They added: “The allegations are baseless and will be defended robustly.”