Accrington saved as tax bill is settled

ACCRINGTON Stanley Football Club has been saved after paying a £308,000 tax bill.

The Lancashire club, a member of the Coca-Cola Division Two, would have been wound-up by the High Court if the money had not been paid.

The rescue was led by Lancashire-born, London-based financier Ilyas Khan, who has been appointed non-executive chairman of the club.

In a statement Mr Khan and his fellow investor Peter Marsden, who has become club president said: “We believe that the town, the community and the supporters should now link arms with the team and the management to forge a stronger and vibrant partnership that will be a credit to this wonderful wonderful football club.”

The existing management team led by MD David O’Neill are remaining.

Mr O’Neill told the club’s website: “I am very pleased that the future of Accrington Stanley Football Club is assured.

“The past few months have been challenging, but the positive changes effected on the field, and in the day to day management of the club can now be supported by a stronger financial backing and a board with the requisite experience and strength to move forward.”