Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Piper: Cherries claim is a last resort
LONG-standing Cherries supporter John Piper today breaks his silence on his decision to join HM Revenue and Customs’ winding-up petition against the club – insisting it was a “last resort”.
Piper, previously an associate director, company secretary and major shareholder, loaned £30,000 to Cherries during the chairmanship of Paul Baker.
The Bournemouth-based businessmen officially backed the HMRC petition in July before withdrawing his support when the hearing was adjourned until October 5.
New chairman Eddie Mitchell revealed on Monday that an un-named fan had re-attached his own claim to that of HMRC, despite the club making what he described as a “significant” payment towards the sum of the loan.
But Piper says he has been paid “less than a third” of what he is owed and he needs the money urgently for working capital.
When contacted by the Echo for his response to Mitchell’s statement, Piper said: “It was only as a last resort that I had to commence proceedings against the club, due to the fact that in July I offered the club the opportunity of paying off the debt in four stage payments, whereas I could have issued proceedings for the full amount on July 1.
“Despite letters sent to the directors by me and my solicitors, no replies were forthcoming.
“In view of the fact that it is highly likely that the hearing on October 5 in Liverpool will again be adjourned, it has been necessary to issue other proceedings.
“This is particularly disappointing and surprising when one takes into account the new board of directors consists of five businessmen, who apparently cannot, or will not, deal with the paltry repayment sum due of £10,000.
“Surely this is the time for the directors to stand up and be counted – it is their responsibility to deal with the matter.
“In view of the fact that the loan I made to the club was for the purposes of paying players’ wages, I’m applying to the Football League for my debt to be treated as that of a football creditor.
“Further, the only other course of action open to me is that of applying to the County Court for bailiffs to levy against any assets of the company.
“I sincerely hope that this action does not become necessary.”
Piper added: “Since 2003, I have loaned to the club very considerable amounts of money, which have all been lost.
“And even when certain repayments were due to me, they have not been paid, all this being the responsibility of past chairmen.
“I’ve been shabbily treated by previous chairmen and I have had to call time – enough is enough.
“I’m sure many supporters, particularly those already aware of my situation, will appreciate why I have finally had to go down this unhappy road.”
The HMRC claim and support from Piper was today expected to be printed in the London Gazette.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mitchell said: “Having had positive dialogue again with HMRC, I am assured the printing of the claim in the London Gazette is purely a procedural practice to protect HMRC from any other creditors, including said supporter, and to ring-fence their claim.”
