09/1/10

Lewes FC is hoping to celebrate its 125th anniversary later this year, but there are serious fears that it might not reach that milestone as it prepares to fight for survival at the High Court again next Wednesday.

The club faces an HM Revenue and Customs winding-up petition for outstanding monies of £48,000. The case has been adjourned twice since the summer to allow more time to pay off the original £110, 000 debt, during which time the club has been paying £10,000 per month.

However, it has been indicated that no more time will be given and that the remaining debt of £48, 000 now has to be settled in full otherwise Lewes FC will be wound up.

Lewes Football Club (LFC) is appealing for anyone who has previously shown an interest in helping the club, or any potential new investors, to contact the club as soon as possible in order to ensure the club’s survival.

The only way that LFC’s future can be secured in something like its current form is to settle the debt before the hearing. The club has made a number of positive, organisational changes this season which will help in future and without the threat of the winding up order, planning for the future could fully get underway.

LFC are appealing to interested supporters or investors who are willing to make financial loans or donations in order that the outstanding debt can be paid in full.

Anyone who wishes to contribute is asked to contact First Team Manager Steve Ibbitson in confidence on 07704089509 as soon as possible, in order to discuss how they could help the football club and the terms under which they are prepared to provide funds.

Club owner Martin Elliott fears that people who may be willing to help might be sitting back because they think the club has been here before. He told Friday’s Argus: “I hope there is no complacency around. The worrying thing is if people are standing off and looking for other people to come in not knowing realising how serious this is.”

“If someone was in a position to loan us the money there are a number of people who are involved in the club who could guarantee it and then we could be done with HMRC next week.”