Politicians call for Hanson meeting over Coleraine plight

Former Sports Minister, Michael McGimpsey, and East Londonderry assembly member, David McClarty, have called for a meeting with the NIO Minister David Hanson to voice their concerns over the plight of Coleraine Football Club.

The Inland Revenue had applied for a winding-up order in the High Court on Wednesday following the club's failure to reach a settlement over total debts thought to be in the region of £1 million.

But a legal requirement to advertise the move meant that the Bankruptcy Master Charles Redpath was unable to make a formal order.

In a statement, Mr McGimpsey said: “It is in no one’s interest to see Coleraine Football Club run down. Rather than abandon the club to the Inland Revenue, it is essential that a route for recovery is mapped out and plan agreed to secure its financial future.

“I want to see our local clubs financially secure and playing top quality football week-in-week-out. That’s why, as Sports Minister, I secured an £8 million funding package to promote local football and created the Soccer Strategy taskforce.

“Likewise, I would like to see the government demonstrate its commitment to local football and bring together key stakeholders with a view to drawing up a rescue package for the club.

“The Bannsiders have a distinguished history and proud tradition in local sport. I want to see that continue.”

Mr McClarty, a lifelong supporter of the club, said: “Like many fans, I am deeply saddened that the club finds itself in such dire financial straits.

“Coleraine has traditionally been one of the biggest clubs in the Irish League and has many friends throughout the footballing community in Northern Ireland and further afield.

“All who are closely associated with the sport want to see a thriving and successful football club in Coleraine - this is vital for the future of professional football in the North West and for maintaining the quality of the national game.

“I am urging the Minister to intervene on behalf of the club, the players and its supporters.”

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Redpath said he would put off the hearing for just one week because players could miss the transfer window.

Coleraine have overall debts of around £1m but, while other creditors accepted a voluntary settlement arrangement, the Inland Revenue would not.

(MB/SP)