AXED Wales Under-17s manager Peter Nicholas is to begin legal proceedings if the Welsh FA refuse to clear his name, the Argus has learned.

Nicholas was unceremoniously given the boot by Football Association of Wales chiefs after it was alleged they received 'critical reports' of his handling of players in his care. But the Argus can today reveal the FAW's extraordinary reasons - and they are nothing to do with football-related matters. Nicholas denies the allegations in any case.

The highly-rated Newport-born coach, who is furious with the FAW's handling of the situation, is urgently seeking a meeting with the FAW's International Committee to explain his side of the story.

If they refuse to clear his name, the 73-times capped midfielder is apparently ready to instruct his lawyers and take the FAW to court for unfair dismissal.

Nicholas, however, will not comment about the "delicate situation" but admits he is "livid" following his team's unparalleled success at youth level.

The International Committee, who recruit and dismiss Welsh managers at all levels, sacked Nicholas after it was claimed he left Wales' young stars in the team hotel on their own on two separate occasions.

The first allegation is said to have taken place early last year at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel before the squad flew out for a UEFA European Championship qualifying tournament in Switzerland.

Nicholas, though, was on duty with Swansea City, where he was then assistant to Colin Addison, following agreement from FAW bosses.

And Nicholas' right-hand-man Glyn Jones - also now his partner at Newport County - was getting measured up for Welsh suits in Cardiff following an instruction from FAW president Des Shanklin.

The second allegation was while the squad were away on duty in Spain. Nicholas and Jones refute the claims and both insist Welsh doctor Richard Stott or physio Chris Hughes were 'minding' the players on both occasions.

Under FAW rules, squads going abroad with players under the age of 18 should have a welfare officer.

Such officers were not assigned to Nicholas' squads.

Nicholas, who has been under-17s boss for three years, did not sign a contract with the FAW after International Committee chairman Ray Smiles asked him to simply 'get results' following a dismal run at that level.

The FA of Wales were unavailable for comment this morning.