Swinton confirm HMRC debts paid off

Swinton have confirmed that their outstanding debts to HMRC have been paid following their recent fundraising efforts.

The Lions were subject to a winding-up petition that put the club’s future in jeopardy, but they have been able to now pay that off while also retaining the majority of their playing squad to enable them to see out the rest of the season.

A club statement said: “Swinton Lions RLFC is pleased to announce that the immediate threat posed by the HMRC winding-up petition has been settled and the club’s short-term future is therefore safe.

“However, we still have some way to go before the club is fully back on an even keel, both in terms of its finances and its structure, and we will continue to work very hard towards achieving those goals.”

Swinton raised funds by the sale of Chris Atkin to Hull KR, cutting costs, third-party input and more than £30,000 that was raised by supporters.

All players and staff are up to date with salaries as of the end of July.

The statement added: “Had we not taken this action, our players would have been able to join rival clubs as free agents and the club might have collapsed through being unable to fulfil its fixtures.

“The remaining three months of the season will still be tough.

“But hopefully we are now beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

“The input of Swinton supporters over the past few weeks has been extraordinary and underlines the passion which exists for our wonderful and history club.”