Crystal Palace have won a a temporary High Court injunction which prevents want-away manager Steve Bruce from leaving the Eagles without serving a full nine months notice.
The injunction, imposed this afternoon, will run until a scheduled three day hearing on January 14.
In court, Bruce's counsel said the former-United man, who wants to join Division One rivals Birmingham City, had made assurances not to make approaches for Palace players or coaching staff. It was argued by Bruce's legal team that this should be enough to safeguard Palace's position.
But Palace representatives argued the club's loss could run into millions of pounds if the Eagles failed to gain promotion.
The judge told Bruce he could avoid the full hearing by agreeing to fufil a "garden leave" clause in his contract.
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