ACCRINGTON Stanley were yesterday issued with a new winding-up order over an outstanding debt to HM Revenue and Customs.

Stanley narrowly avoided going out of business in October because of a £308,000 tax bill but Surrey-based multi-millionaire Ilyas Khan stepped in to pay the debt and has now invested more than £250,000 after becoming the club’s non-executive chairman.

Fans were taken by surprise yesterday when the London Gazette published a winding-up order against the club, scheduled for the High Court on February 3, over an unpaid tax bill - but the club expect to settle the payment in full on Monday.

It is understood that the current debt relates to the tax month of December and has already been partly paid.

The petition is only an application to the court and does not mean that the club has been found to be insolvant.

The club are thought to be puzzled that the winding-up order has been issued and are certain they will not have to attend the High Court.

Stanley, who are scheduled to host Rotherham United in League Two this afternoon providing wet weather does not cause a waterlogged pitch, were last night making no official comment.

But Khan said on the Accrington Web supporters’ messageboard: “I was just about to get in a car to drive up to Accy for the game when I was suddenly overwhelmed with calls and messages relating to a winding up petition.

“I found out on Friday last week that HMRC have moved a petition. This news has caught me by surprise.

“At times like this, silence is petition will be satisfied - in fact a large proportion of the subject payments have been sent today, and the rest will be paid off as well.

“I do not know why HMRC chose to issue the petition, but I do know that this will be confusing for people on this website and in the town.

“However I can only react to the fact that the petition was issued, and in doing so, whilst I am frustrated by their actions, I must respect the HMRC move and we (that means the club) will comply with the demand notice.

“I just wish they had not gone to this stage - but I must admit that the club (which includes me) are culpable, as best I can see, for missing a committed payment in December which led to this situation getting out of hand.

“I apologise on behalf of the club that this has happened.

“Transparency works in good times and in bad, and I accept the buck stops here with me.

“I expect that during my meeting with the directors tomorrow I will have a great deal more information about how and why this has happened.

“I reiterate, the demand notice will be met, and ASFC will not be the subject of a court hearing on February 3.

“This petition will be met. The club is not in any danger whatsoever of being wound up.”

Stanley fan Stephen Lowe said: “I just think it shows that even with a substantial backer like Ilyas Khan things can awry.

“There are still bills to meet even though games have been abandoned and that must have had an effect on the club.

“I don't think Ilyas will let us down, though. I have every faith in him to sort this out and make sure things are all right.

“I would just urge everyone to continue showing support for the club and to get down to as many games as possible.”