ST KILDA Football Club president Rod Butterss and the man he sacked as coach last September, Grant Thomas, are destined for court over a financial dispute that involves at least $1.14 million.

Butterss lodged a writ in the Supreme Court three weeks ago seeking recovery of a seven-figure sum, plus interest, from Thomas over a matter that both have told The Age predates Thomas' appointment as coach in 2001. The hearing has been set for May 29.

"It's a matter of regret that it couldn't be resolved in any other fashion," Butterss said yesterday. "Sadly, it's come to this but I want to stress that it is not a St Kilda issue. It is not St Kilda money or anything other than a matter between Grant and I. I'd like to think that mediation was possible, as I did when this issue came to light a number of months ago, but it doesn't appear to be the case at the moment."

The source of the dispute is said to centre upon a loan of more than $1 million Butterss extended to Thomas when, as a fellow director of the club, he purchased a home in Brighton for $2.3 million. The property was less than 100 metres from Butterss' own home, which he sold for more than $11 million last October.

Thomas replaced Malcolm Blight as coach less than two months later.

It is believed Butterss claims that the full loan amount of $1.14 million remains outstanding. With interest, the figure could rise to $1.5 million.

When Thomas spoke to The Age in January about the dispute, he denied Butterss' claim and said the money involved related to 2001, when he worked as chief executive of a recruitment firm owned by Butterss' brother Peter. Thomas said he convinced Rod Butterss to buy equity in the company and that this is the source of the financial dispute.

Thomas and Butterss were brought together as directors of St Kilda in 1999 before assuming control of the club the following year. Butterss succeeded Andrew Plympton in late 2000 as president and Thomas succeeded Blight after 15 rounds of the 2001 season.

At the end of last season, Thomas was sacked as Saints' coach, and Ross Lyon appointed his successor.