Cherries: Club issued with winding-up petition by HMRC

CHERRIES chairman Eddie Mitchell tonight revealed that the club had been served with another winding-up petition by HM Revenue & Customs. Speaking in front of around 150 supporters at a fans' forum at Dean Court, Mitchell delivered the shock news as he outlined the club's financial position. The club's majority shareholder confirmed to the audience that the tax man was petitioning for an outstanding debt of £314,000, with a hearing set for March 31. Mitchell claimed a payment of £100,000 which he said had been raised from advanced season ticket sales would be made imminently. When asked by a supporter whether the club was currently up to date with its commitments to the tax man, Mitchell revealed £55,000 was owed for outstanding PAYE contributions, a sum which had been due earlier this week. Mitchell said the club had raised around £280,000 from the early season ticket offer, although added that the funds had already been accounted for. He listed where the money had gone, with an insolvency payment swallowing up £28,000 and former benefactor John Piper, £12,000. He said the council had received £9,000, the club's programme publisher £12,000 and kit manufacturer Carbrini £34,000. Mitchell also revealed former boss Jimmy Quinn had been paid £20,000, ex-player Russell Perrett £3,000 and one-time director of football Ted Sutton £6,000. He also said £51,000 had been taken up by the centre of excellence and matchday PAYE. Mitchell told the forum that the club's overall debt had reduced from £1.8m to £800,000 during his tenure. However, this latest bombshell has given them another financial hurdle to overcome as boss Eddie Howe and his players continue to mount a promotion push.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo