12/1/10

Lewes Football Club has paid off its outstanding debt to HM Revenue and Customs.

The club’s future was under threat last week when it became clear that at tomorrow’s scheduled High Court hearing, the HMRC would be demanding the full £48,000, and the only way to ensure survival was to find that figure in full.

Over the weekend, members of the club’s management committee worked hard to secure the money in a variety of donations and long term interest-free loans.

First Team manager Steve Ibbitson said “The money was finally sent to the HMRC yesterday and I’m absolutely delighted. It has been raised from supporters and friends of the club who have come to our rescue before, as well as a couple of new benefactors who have recently stepped forward and pledged their help.”

A transfer has been made to HMRC and Lewes are awaiting confirmation that both the money has been received and that HMRC has withdrawn the winding up petition after the club paid off the remaining part of the debt in one payment yesterday, which stood at more £110,000 only six months ago.

“Nobody can deny that the Club shouldn’t have got itself into this position but, having done that, it’s been a magnificent achievement to clear the tax debt,” said Ibbitson, “and we must use this opportunity to restructure and build for the future.”

“There have been a number of people who have shown an interest in Lewes FC but have been deterred from getting involved with the winding up petition hanging over us. I’m hoping those people will now come on board and help the club.”

Despite having paid off the debt to the HMRC, there is still a significant sum that the club owes to various companies, and, far from celebrating, Ibbitson said that the club will now turn its attention to these.

He said “Everybody must understand that we’re not out of the woods yet. There’s still a very long way to go and even though it’s the management committee’s aim to start next season debt free, we’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then.”

“Some of the companies that we owe money to have been waiting a long time and I must extend the club’s gratitude to them for their patience and understanding over a long period.”

“I want them to know that we’ll be doing all we can to ensure that we meet our obligations to them.”