17/8/09

Lewes Football Club is continuing negotiations with the HMRC in an effort to avoid a winding up order due next month.

Lewes FC owner Martin Elliott has had a positive response from the Worthing Tax Office which has filed for the winding up order, despite a previous deal with the Southampton Tax Office being originally agreed in writing for staged repayments.

The club is now up-to-date with payments for the current tax year, and Mr Elliott has been having discussions over recent weeks with a local legal firm for advice on how to take this forward in an effort to press for deferment, which could then allow the club a further three months to demonstrate that staged repayments could be met.

Mr Elliott has also been speaking to other clubs who have been through a similar winding up process to see whether there are any lessons that can be learnt from their experience that may be of benefit to Lewes.

The club is aware of at least one football club that has reached an amicable agreement for staged repayments of a similar sum to that owed by Lewes FC to HMRC. 

The club are also extremely grateful to Norman Baker MP who has pledged to assist them in their negotiations with the HMRC. Mr Baker is a supporter of the club, and everyone is appreciative of his input. He is being made aware of how other football clubs that have encountered financial difficulties have been treated by HRMC.

A further meeting is being planned this week with Mr Elliott and the club’s legal advisers which will examine the best way to respond to the HMRC.

The club would like to thank everyone involved in negotiations for their patience and co-operation. The club’s aim remains to make every effort to trade through this difficult period and, over time, repay all external debts.

The continuing attendance of Rooks fans at the Dripping Pan is vital to demonstrate support for manager Steve Ibbitson and the team and the club looks forward to welcoming you for next Wednesday evening’s game against Thurrock (kick-off 7.45pm).