Former Colchester United midfielder Brian Launders is to appeal against the Football League tribunal which threw out his claim for unfair dismissal.

The one-time Eire Under 21 international, who was sacked by the U's in October for gross misconduct, claimed £169,000 in damages at a specially convened hearing in London on Friday.

Launders was sacked when he failed to answer questions which were put to him by U's officials relating to his association with soccer agent Barry Silkman.

But Silkman told This Is Essex today the 25-year-old, currently on trial at First Division West Brom, will lodge an appeal.

He said: "The decision on Friday was absolutely scandalous. We will be appealing against the decision and will take it all the way to the European Court of Justice if we have to.

"Both my lawyers have said they will work for nothing to fight this case because they believe the decision is wrong.

"As soon as the paperwork from Friday's hearing comes through we will be lodging the appeal with the Football League.

"I am willing to bet my house, my cars and everything I own that the decision will get overturned."

The U's stand to lose a fortune if Launders is successful and Silkman also has an action pending against the club for "introducing players" to Layer Road. Silkman himself claims the club owe him a figure in excess of £100,000.

But the club have already said they would fight any appeal brought by Launders.

U's director Peter Powell, who gave evidence at the hearing on Friday, said: "We were surprised the action was brought in the first place and would be even more surprised if they decided to appeal.

"We acted in good faith and took the appropriate legal advice at all times and of course we would be very confident if we had to fight the case all over again."

A Football League spokesman today said Launders has seven days in which to lodge his appeal and the case is expected to be heard within three weeks.

U's chairman Peter Heard spoke of his relief after the tribunal threw out Launders' case.

He said: "We are very pleased with the result of the hearing. We were always confident of winning because the club did not act irrationally."

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