Cork City manager Damien Richardson has initiated High Court proceedings to prevent any move by the League of Ireland club to dismiss him.

Richardson from Curraheen, Cork is seeking an injunction to stop Cork City FC Investments Ltd from removing him as manager.

The former Irish international, who has managed teams in both Ireland and England, has been manager of Cork since 2005, when he signed a two year contract.

The court heard today that Richardson feared his employers were about to terminate his employment with the club, which won the FAI Cup earlier this month.

In an affidavit, Richardson claimed there has been "a concerted and deliberate effort" to undermine his position over the past number of months.

He said that if he was sacked without explanation, it would "effectively destroy my career in football management" and that he and his family were under "immense stress and anxiety".

The court heard that on December 1st, the eve of the Irish Cup Final, Richardson had a meeting with the chairman of Cork City Brian Lennox concerning rumours about his future at the club. He said Lennox told him his position at the club was terminated.

Richardson has denied claims in a statement issued by Cork City FC that he had received offers from other clubs.