English Team Kettering FC Avoid HMRC Winding-Up Order after Agreeing Extension

Struggling English Conference side Kettering Town FC have been granted additional time to settle their debts with the tax man in the High Court.

The Northamptonshire-based side, generic order nicknamed the Poppies, illness reached an agreement with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to extend the payback period.

Mr Registrar Nicholls heard a “substantial payment” has already been made to the Revenue and agreed to give the Blue Square Bet Premier side a 56-day adjournment.

HMRC also admitted there was a discrepancy in the documents submitted with the club’s address incorrectly spelt – an error which Mr Registrar Nicholls chose not to take issue with.

Confirming the agreement, ed a statement on the club’s website said: “Kettering Town is pleased to confirm that agreement has been reached with HMRC in relation to the winding up petition scheduled for February 6 2012.

“KTFC have made a substantial payment with an agreement that an extension of eight weeks be granted for the remainder to be paid.

“Our main sponsor ID Medical advanced sponsorship money to enable this payment and on behalf of everyone connected with the club, we thank them for their assistance in ensuring Kettering Town survive beyond next week.”

But, speaking to the BBC, former director Lee Thorn insisted the club’s finances are yet to be solved – with £40,000 needing to be raised by February 28.

Between September 2009 and April 2010, HMRC filed 25 winding-up petitions totalling more than £20.5m to clubs throughout the leagues.