Graham 'disappointed' by Sugar outburst

George Graham has expressed his disappointment at being branded a "gutless coward" by Sir Alan Sugar.  

Graham, sacked as Tottenham boss earlier this month, criticised the "personal invective" directed at him by his former Spurs chairman.

But rather than rising to the bait he claimed he was happy to "let his unrivalled record speak for itself".

Sugar made an astonishing attack on Graham today and suggested his own confrontations with Graham had already forced him to consider the Scot's future before ENIC dismissed him.

But Graham countered he was "an extremely successful manager of Tottenham".

Graham's lawyer said: "George Graham has read with disappointment the comments of the former chairman of Tottenham Hotspur in a tabloid newspaper.

"Mr Graham feels that he has no need to defend himself against personal invective but is happy to let his unrivalled record speak for itself."

Graham himself added: "By any reasonable measure I was an extremely successful manager of Tottenham.

"And I believe that my record and the legacy of an excellent squad will be seen by all fair-minded people as an outstanding period in the history of the club.

"I am heartened to know from the fantastic support I have received since leaving the club that this will be the conclusion of all true fans."

ENIC took over as Spurs' new owners after Sugar announced he was going to stand down as chairman.

Graham was dismissed by Spurs executive vice-chairman David Buckler over comments Graham made to the press concerning player funds.