Alty headed for reprieve

4:05pm Friday 9th May 2008

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ALTY appear to be headed for a sensational third consecutive relegation reprieve, as Halifax Town stare liquidation in the face.

The Yorkshire club had until today (Friday) to agree terms on a new company voluntary agreement (CVA) with creditors but it now appears that will not be possible.

Halifax have debts of more than £2million, some of which have been carried over from the club's previous CVA agreed in 2003.

Creditors turned down an offer of 2.5 pence in the pound on Wednesday, with the majority of them thought to be holding out for 10 pence in the pound.

But it appears the major stumbling block is the club's Inland Revenue debt. Initially the figure was thought to be around £500,000 but at today's creditors' meeting it emerged the debts were actually around £814,000, making them insurmountable.

It is thought this will mean the end of the Shaymen and administrator Rob Sadler even said: "The cleanest way forward is to start from the bottom and build up again debt free."

Should that likely situation take place, Halifax would be unable to take their place in the Blue Square Premier, meaning Alty would be likely candidates for a reprieve.

The Robins were first saved from relegation by matters off the pitch in 2006 when they finished bottom of the Conference after league officials slapped them with a harsh 18-point penalty for unknowingly fielding an ineligible player.

But the liquidation of Scarborough and financial troubles at Canvey Island meant they stayed up.

Last year, the club finished in the final of the four relegation places but were reprieved at the Conference annual general meeting after relegated League Two side Boston United were sent straight to the Blue Square North due to financial irregularities.