Mr Melvyn Levi, a former director of the club, was awarded £50,000 after suing Mr Bates over three articles he wrote in the club's match-day programme and a letter sent to fans.

The United chairman - who has said he is considering an appeal - was ordered to pay the estimated £1.5m legal costs of the case.

And at a Press conference called to discuss the case, Mr Levi said: "It is a victory but only the start of what could be further legal action as a direct result of the judgement.

"We will be considering over the next week or two what further action we may take to deal with matters raised by the judge."

The dispute arose after Mr Bates took over the club in 2005 from the Yorkshire Consortium, of which Mr Levi was a member.

Mr Levi spoke of the tough four years he and his family had faced during the dispute and revealed that for three months after Mr Bates has printed his home address in a match day programme, he, his wife and son walked around Leeds with personal alarms.

Mr Levi said that when he received the £50,000 damages, he would make contributions to any charitable organisations which may have lost money when Leeds United went into administration.

He said: "This has been a most difficult and testing four years for myself and my family.

"The whole episode has been hugely upsetting to me.

"I am delighted and relieved that the judgement recognises both that upset and that the action was not financially driven.

"The judgement vindicates my decision to pursue this action and to stand up for myself.

"The action had nothing to do with Leeds United, to whom I wish only success. It was brought to stop Mr Bates continuing to libel myself and my family.

"I have been and will remain a life-long Leeds United supporter. I wish the club the very best for the future and hope next year will be a promotion season."

Bates 'could have avoided £1.5m legal bill'


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