Ilkeston Town to appeal after wind-up order at High Court
ILKESTON Town have lodged an appeal after being wound up at the High Court today.
The Blue Square North club was served with a compulsory winding up order over its £50,000 tax debts after a top High Court official described the company as "plainly insolvent".
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The club's lawyers pleaded with the court to give it more time to pay up.
They said the sale of one of the club's star players was expected to generate £20,000 within the next two weeks and, with money coming through at the start of the football season, the club could afford to pay off its tax debt by instalments of £1,000-a-month.
The court also heard Ilkeston Town's Chairman, Gary Hodder, is currently negotiating with investors interested in purchasing the Derbyshire club.
Lawyers said Revenue and Customs' petition to have the Blue Square Bet North club compulsorily wound up is already causing difficulties due to a "transfer embargo" which prevents Ilkeston Town replacing the player it is currently in the process of selling.
However, HMRC pressed on with the winding up petition over the debt, which their barrister said was "just in excess of £50,000".
After a two-minute hearing, Registrar Derrett sealed the club's fate when she said: "I'm sorry, the company is plainly insolvent and I therefore make the final compulsory order".
Ilkeston manager Kevin Wilson said: “I feel shattered by the decision. It’s a sad day for the club and its fans, who have supported the club come rain or shine.
“Hopefully the appeal will be successful.”
Because the Robins have lodged an appeal, the Football Association will allow tonight’s FA Youth Cup game against New Mills at the New Manor Ground to go ahead (7.45pm kick-off).
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by Brian, Derby
Thursday, September 09 2010, 7:10AM
“"After a 2 minute hearing"!!
Didn't give the club much of a chance did they?
I'm sure there are worse debt's with other larger clubs but they seem to be fireproof.
Real shame for them.”
by MB, Derby
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 8:56PM
“I heard it was us that were the ones buying the player for £20k (the one we had on trial) but pulled out because Clough thought he was too expensive.”
by Joe Soap, Derbyshire
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 8:14PM
“Hmmm....not the first time a business associated with Ilkeston's very own "Secret Millionaire" has ended up insolvent! When will people learn?”
by George Cross, Derby
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 3:44PM
“David Trigg.
Well said.
A sad day for local football.”
by David Trigg., Spondon.
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 2:55PM
“What about all the top professional clubs who are in debt up to the top of their stands, when are they they going to be put into administration?
Or is it one law for the Chelsea's and Man City's, not forgetting Nottingham Pork Butchers, and one law for the Ilson's of this world?
At least the Rams are trying to do something about their finances, all be it at the expense of the playing side.
HMRC! Sort out the big boys before you bully the little men.
Dave Trigg.”