Preston hit by fresh HMRC threat

PRESTON North End is facing a fresh legal threat from HM Revenue and Customs over an unpaid PAYE bill of around £435,000.

The Championship club has only just settled a case brought by HMRC – which saw a winding-up order issued, which has now been dismissed.

It said it is liaising with HMRC over the PAYE bill for May, which had been due to be paid on Monday.

In a statement to the stock market, PNE, said the legal action against it had undermined supporter confidence, and fewer fans had renewed season tickets than had been expected.

“The presentation of the winding up petition has had a significant impact on recent season ticket sales, a key source of revenue for the company at this time of year, which in turn is impacting the company’s financial position.

“As the company’s current financial position remains uncertain, shares will remain suspended from trading on AIM pending clarification of the company’s financial position,” the statement said.

Maurice Lindsay, who took over as chairman this week said: “It is good news that the winding up petition has been dismissed and season ticket sales appear to be picking up again after the announcement that the debt had been settled earlier this week.

“We hope the fans of Preston North End will continue to support the Club as I lead it into a new era”

Lancashire tycoon Trevor Hemmings – the club’s largest shareholder – in in the process of taking overall control in move that will secure it’s long term future.”