From the North Devon Journal

HMRC hit Bideford with winding up petition

Bideford AFC has been issued with a winding-up petition over unpaid tax.

The petition was presented to the football club by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) last month and is due to be heard in London on Monday, May 18, at 10.30am.

The North Devon Journal understands Bideford dispute the PAYE figure which was demanded after an inspection and a chartered accountant is working on the issue on the club's behalf. Officials are believed to be confident the club still has a future.

If the judge were to support the application, a winding-up order would be issued and the club would be put into liquidation, with its assets sold to pay off debts.

It is understood the unpaid figure is not a significant amount but this development is another blow to the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division club which was struck with a £25,000 bill for essential work on the Sports Ground floodlights earlier this season.

HMRC has undertaken a crackdown on football clubs in recent years.

In December, Bideford's fellow Southern Premier outfit Hereford United was wound up in the High Court after a petition was brought by HMRC.

A new club, Hereford FC, has since been set up by the Hereford United Supporters Trust and local businessmen. The club will join the non-League structure in the new season.

Bideford was reformed as a limited company – Bideford AFC (1987) Ltd – after a financial crisis 28 years ago.

Bideford's current problems come at a time of great success on the field where the first team have established themselves in the Southern Premier Division.

Our final match of the season on the 25th, might be their final match of all. Let's hope not. Good luck Bideford.