Wakefield allay financial fears

Wakefield Wildcats on Friday night sought to allay fears of further financial turmoil after they were issued with a winding-up petition.

The petition was brought by HM Revenue and Customs against Spirit of 1873, the company that now owns the club, and is due to be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on November 12.

The Wildcats, who were brought out of administration in February 2011 by local businessman Andrew Glover, issued a statement insisting the action was the result of an oversight and that the matter has been dealt with.

The statement said: "The Wildcats would like to reassure all those connected with the club that the outstanding sum of money that the petition is in relation to has already been dealt with.

"Due to the club's recent financial history, it is subject to monthly visits from HMRC and, furthermore, no leeway is granted in regards to any payments owed as it may be to other such companies.

"An oversight on the part of the club in relation to the amount of one such payment led to the issuing of the winding-up petition.

"However, once the club was made aware of this, it was immediately rectified.

"Unfortunately, once a winding up petition is issued there is no way of preventing it from going to press and, as such, it came into the public domain today.

"Again, the club would like to reassure everyone associated with the Wildcats that the club is continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that the progress both on and off the pitch since the takeover by Spirit of 1873 Ltd is maintained."

Wakefield are the second Super League club to be issued with a winding-up petition in the last 10 days.

Action was brought against Salford by a management consultant company over an unpaid bill and is due to be heard in Manchester next Monday, although the club sought to play down the significance of the move.