Salford Mayor Paul Dennett has expressed frustration about the High Court decision to adjourn a winding-up hearing against Salford Red Devils for a third time.
At a short hearing at the Insolvency and Companies Court on Wednesday, Judge Nicholas Briggs granted the owners a further two weeks to pay off their debts to HMRC.
Lawyers representing HM Revenue and Customs first applied for a winding-up order filed for a winding-up petition in May over £500,000 of unpaid tax.
Salford Red Devils were granted an adjournment in June and then another in September to allow the stricken club to secure a £3 million bridging loan to settle its debts.
This morning was the third time the club had been given a reprieve and extra time to secure funds, despite the fact the amount owed has grown to £700,000.
Mr Dennett, in a joint statement with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said the adjournment was only serving to prolong the suffering and “uncertainty of Red Devils fans.”
They said: “We are disappointed by today’s decision to again adjourn proceedings in the HMRC case. This is the third delay to this case this year, and the ongoing uncertainty has been deeply unsettling for supporters, players, and staff who care passionately about the future of this historic club.
“We recognise how difficult this continued situation is, and we firmly believe that a decision should have been made today to support the best interests of securing the financial future of Salford Red Devils.
“ It is increasingly difficult to see how repeated delays serve the best interests of Salford Red Devils or the wider rugby league community.
“We will remain in close contact with the Rugby Football League and other partners to ensure that the clubs’ proud 152-year history is secured.”
Following the adjournment this morning, Salford Red Devils’ next winding up petition hearing is scheduled to take place on November 12.
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