Hardy hits back at ‘crazy’ HMRC winding up petition

Notts County owner has hit back at HMRC after the club was issued with a winding up petition.

Speaking exclusively to TheBusinessDesk.com, Hardy said that the Magpies had made an offer to pay the £200,000 owed to the Revenue in four weekly instalments, but this had been refused.

Hardy said: “This doesn’t make sense and the petition wouldn’t go to court until a month after we’d have paid back the full amount under the terms of our offer – by which time HMRC would have been fully paid.

“To issue a winding up petiton when we had a payment plan in place is just crazy and HMRC seems desperate to make an example of a football club.”

HMRC’s winding up petition comes despite the club having “received assurances” from Paragon Interiors’ administrators that they are supportive of owner and Hardy’s attempts to sell the club.

The news comes after reports confirmed that, despite Hardy’s Paragon Interiors company going into administration, all staff – including players – at Notts County have been paid this month.

Meanwhile, thw administrator of Hardy’s stricken fit-out business, Paragon Interiors, has issued a statement.

It says: “Leonard Curtis Business Rescue & Recovery have confirmed that, following their recent appointment as joint administrators of Paragon Interiors Group Plc, they are working closely with Notts County Football Club to achieve a positive outcome for all concerned.

“Leonard Curtis have also confirmed that they are supportive of Mr Hardy’s attempts to find a purchaser for the football club, which was ongoing prior to their appointment.”