HMRC ripped up the agreement when Crusaders went into Administration before we could pay a penny of what we had agreed.

The agreement covered what had accurued since the previous petition (paid off by SRW) had been made in July. Before anyone starts criticising the club too much about further money accruing to HMRC, they should first try to answer where the business sense is in paying money to someone for what is owed now when they are trying to close you down for money you already owe them?

The club did the right thing in arranging a payment plan and though they can be blamed for many things, blaming them for Crusaders going into Administration would be a bit harsh.

IMO the hearing won't happen as Administrators will be appointed on either 31 Jan or 1 Feb depending on the final total raised.

So why do the Crusaders supposedly owe the RFL 700K, payable through SKY monies over a 4 or 10 year period, depending on who you believe? Would the RFL be entitled to their money back before HMRC?

Surely it's not a question of any new owner starting with a clean slate. It's a question of buying the club at a price that allows you to factor in existing debt.

I think that's what hacked HMRC off, the fact that other creditors lost out yet the RFL was able to somehow protect their own interests.

The RFL loan was to the "new" Crusaders rather than the company that went into Administration.

If the new business goes bust while the RFL loan is outstanding, the RFL will get their money back as they've taken a charge over the Racecourse Ground and would therefore be classed as a "secured" creditor rather than HMRC who are "unsecured" along with any other supplier that might be owed money.

because the RFL was able to enforce it as a condition of gaining membership of the rfl which the crusaders needed

So the old Crusaders had no assets that could be realised, the new Crusaders do?

Where do we stand then, with administration and Belle Vue?

Perhaps HMRC should ask football to get rid of their 'preferential creditors' rule, which will cost them far more money than if it happened in rugby league, or any other sport for that matter.

The ground was sold to Cala, although Yorkcourt are now in the process of taking it off Cala's hands for what would be a final payment to WT of £350k.

The simple answer is that it's a problem for the Administrator to sort out!!!

Could someone please explain its probably been said elsewhere, how come we owe HMRC ? I thought Rodney Walker paid the debt off.

Previously answered

I appreciate the replies, RDM, so please don't take this questioning the wrong way.

BUT

I think most people on here were under the impression that we'd sold the ground to Gala and were still due half the amount in final settlement. Are you saying that in fact, all that is still outstanding from the sale of Belle Vue is 350K?

It probably is for the administrator to sort out, as you say.

does this mean we will be playing super league this year or not? i hope my catalan trip is not going to be spent in a bar in spain!!!

As was I until I met with the club last week.

Cala no longer want the ground, but are contractually committed. Yorkcourt offered them a way out, although it means that WT receive less than was remaining from Cala.

Definitely one for the Administrator to sort as it will depend on the contractual position between Cala & YC at the point the club enters Administration.

There are worse places to be.