NEWPORT County will today instruct their lawyers to start legal proceedings as they seek to reclaim a £10,000 debt owed to them by Welsh-double-winners Barry Town after Mike Flynn's transfer to Wigan Athletic.

This rare legal move by a football club is destined to end up in court and could banish Barry, who have appeared in the Champions League four times in five years, from the game.

Exiles chairman Wallace Brown telephoned the Jenner Park club this morning to inform them of their intentions before Newport-based solicitor Andrew Parry begins preparing County's case.

County, whose statutory demand for the cash made on October 31 has been seemingly ignored by Barry, made the legal threat to the Dragons 10 days ago as the Dr Martens Premier League club still have not received money owed to them after Newport-born midfielder Flynn's £15,000 move to Second Division Wigan almost six months ago.

Flynn played for his hometown club as a teenager but left for Jenner Park on a free transfer in November 2000. County though were astute enough to add a sell-on clause to that deal, which became active following Flynn's summer move to the JJB Stadium.

That switch earned Newport £10,000 but Barry, who have also won six League of Wales Championships in seven years, have yet to cough up.

Chairman Kevin Green has insisted his club will pay, however he will not be drawn on when.

County's board of directors, who unanimously agreed to set legal proceedings in motion at a meeting last night, are fed-up of waiting for Barry and cannot be seen to buckle on their threat.

"Barry have made no offer of payment, they haven't even tried to broker a deal," fumed County director Steve Sulley.

"We haven't even heard from them. The board were unanimous in their decision but, nevertheless, it is regrettable.

"We don't want to wind-up a fellow football team but the bottom line is we are owed £10,000 and we want our money. It's a last-ditch attempt and a business decision."

County insist they want the overdue debt paid so new boss Peter Nicholas can strengthen his side if he wants to.

Barry chief Green said he "would not comment" on the current situation but he has blamed the starvation of funds from the Football Association of Wales to Premier League clubs as the reason.

However, Welsh Premier chief John Deakin, who says the FAW will play a mediator in the row between the clubs, insists all funds given to the Welsh FA are handed down to the 18 top-flight clubs.

Ex-Welsh semi-pro international Flynn himself still claims that Barry owe him about £2,000 in unpaid wages and bonus - and a P45 tax form.