GREAT Harwood boss Ian McGarry is considering legal action following accusations made by Clitheroe Reserve team chief Dave Burgess.

In a letter to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Burgess claimed McGarry 'acted beyond the realms of sportsmanship', 'goaded Clitheroe players' and 'used foul and abusive language' during last week's stormy Lancashire ATS Trophy tie between the two clubs.

But McGarry has angrily denied he overstepped the mark and may take the issue further.

"I am seriously considering taking it further because people cannot be allowed to come out with remarks like that," said the Showground boss.

"I don't want to get involved in a slanging match but something has got to be done about it.

"At no time during the game did the referee come over to the dugout and say anything to me.

"And there was a representative from the Lancashire FA at the match as well and he didn't appear to have any problems with what went on.

"As far as I'm concerned it was just a bit of repartee between dug-outs."

McGarry confirmed he has already had legal advice but hopes to hold talks with Clitheroe chairman Steve Rush this week in an effort to sort things out amicably.

"I've taken legal advice but I don't know whether I want to proceed with it or not because I've got a lot of friends at Clitheroe and I've had a good relationship with them for years," said McGarry.

"I've spoken to Steve Rush about it and we are set to have another chat this week.

"But I cannot allow the kind of things that have been said about me to happen without something being done."

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