Non-league Burscough FC is set to be sold

Feb 4 2010 Ormskirk Advertiser

BURSCOUGH FC is on the brink of being sold – but an unpaid tax debt could see the club face being wound up.

Club owner, chairman Chris Lloyd – who put the Linnets up for sale in November after freezing funding – is understood to be in advanced talks with a number of interested parties.

That could pave the way for existing debts at Victoria Park to be levelled, handing the cash-strapped club a new lease of life.

But any looming deal could hinge on an adjourned winding-up petition over outstanding debts to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Burscough FC has until February 17 to settle the undisclosed debt or face proceedings in the High Court.

Mr Lloyd’s consultants confirmed advanced talks had taken place with a view to selling the club, with all parties working to a “very tight” deadline.

Commercial property consultant David O'Rourke said: “We are hoping it won’t come to that [being wound up] and we are in ongoing detailed discussion regarding the club’s situation in an attempt to resolve it.

"There are advanced negotiations progressing to refinance the club and discussion continues with HMRC to resolve matters.

“All concerned are working flat out to achieve this and now is the time for anyone who genuinely cares about the future of Burscough FC to rally round to support a successful outcome.”

Fans are currently running the day-to-day activities of the Unibond Premier Division side and have ploughed in more than £16,000 to pay players’ wages and fund coaches for away games since support was withdrawn.

Burscough FC Supporters’ Club chairman Richard Aindow said: “We’ve done everything we can to keep Burscough FC alive, but this is not in our hands.

“Everyone’s hard work, not just over the past months, but over the last 60 years could come to an end.

“Hopefully a deal can be done with these interested parties, so we can build this club up again.”