Taxing times again for Roughyeds

FINANCIAL BALANCING ACT: Oldham RL chairman Chris Hamilton

OLDHAM RLFC chiefs have reassured fans the club’s short-term future remains secure - despite another winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs.

HMRC is owed over £6,000; a petition claim is due to be heard in the High Court on April 22, but it appears that arrears will be cleared well in advance.

Roughyeds say: "The club has worked hard to keep its payments to HMRC up to date and once this relatively small outstanding sum is paid in the next few days, the club's tax liabilities will be completely up to date.

The club said it had intended to pay off the money with funds owed the club that didn’t arrive on time.

"The current financial climate is undoubtedly having an adverse impact and our cash-flow wasn’t helped by a six-month close season — our longest ever.”

The club has also been paying the previous owner for the past three years, a debt finally cleared in December.

"In these very difficult economic times clubs need to do a financial balancing act and our club is no exception."