LEGENDARY football minnows Accrington Stanley have won a David and Goliath battle by striking a compensation deal with financial giants Pearl Assurance after a wrangle over an advertisement.

Crown Ground bosses claimed the £17billion insurance firm used the club's name without permission and the club has decided to accept a four-figure sum to end the saga.

Fans from all over the country contacted the club to complain about a recruitment advert, which showed a scruffily-dressed man and his dog next to the caption "You wouldn't expect Michael Owen to play for Accrington Stanley".

Pearl have also made a donation for an undisclosed amount to the NSPCC following a letter from Michael Owen's agents, Midlands-based Marquee Group (UK) Ltd.

Peterborough-based Pearl originally offered £250 to Stanley as a "goodwill gesture", but the club asked for an increased settlement.

Stanley chairman Eric Whalley has received a second offer of an undisclosed sum and says he is happy to accept it.

Mr Whalley said: "Pearl have offered us a four figure sum and we have decided to accept it. Hopefully this is now an end to the situation."

A spokesman for Pearl said: "They have accepted the offer, although we would rather not say what the figure is.

"We also made a donation to the NSPCC, which is a charity Michael Owen supports. Apparently, he has no objection to his name being used in this way, but often asks for companies to help good causes on his behalf. We think that is perfectly reasonable."

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