Southampton coach Sammy Lee and other senior football figures have appeared in court to face perjury charges relating to a legal battle over a one million-pound transfer deal.
Agent Tony McGill, 56, is bringing a private prosecution against Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside and others from the club. Mr McGill is also prosecuting top agent Jerome Anderson and others from his SEM firm, as well as ex-Bolton midfielder Gavin McCann.
The case surrounds a protracted legal battle over McCann's transfer from Aston Villa to Bolton in 2007, with McGill claiming he was cut out of the deal.
Lee, 55, from Liverpool, was manager of Bolton at the time following a spell as part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's England coaching team.
The private prosecution came before District Judge Stephen Earl, sitting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, for its first hearing. The wooden benches to his left were filled with powerful figures in English football.
No pleas were entered and the case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court where it will be heard again in a fortnight.
McCann was allowed not to attend today but must come to the magistrates' court next week.
Lisa Judge, representing the defendants from Bolton, said: "There will be an application to dismiss forthwith."
The SEM defendants were represented in court by barrister Saba Naqshbandi.
Mr McGill is also prosecuting Bolton and SEM. The case was heard in Newcastle as Mr McGill is from Sunderland.
Ms Judge, representing the Bolton parties, said there will be an application to change venue.