STANLEY fan David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd has spoken of his sadness regarding the huge tax bill facing his beloved team.

He pledged ‘full support’ after hearing the news that Accrington Stanley had been given eight weeks to find £308,000 owed in taxes or face closure.

The former England cricketer, who once played semi-professional football for Stanley, said it was a terrible day for both the team and the town as a whole.

He said: “It’s incredibly sad.

“I am an Accrington Stanley supporter and I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that we have to give them our full support.”

The renowned cricket commentator, who was born in Accrington and educated at Accrington Secondary Technical School, also said he was waiting to hear more about the club’s plans to pay off the debt.

The club could go out of business unless they are able to repay most of their tax bill before the end of October.

The deadline was set when a high court judge made the ruling on Wednesday after the club failed to pay any cash to the Inland Revenue despite a 12-month payment plan being agreed in May.

Accrington Stanley Supporters’ Fund has offered to pay the full debt in return for equity in the club, but Reds’ bosses said this was ‘just an option’ at this stage.

Stanley chairman Dave O’Neill and chief executive Rob Heys said the club would now launch a huge fundraising drive, with events at the club and bucket collections around the town, supermarkets and at away matches to avoid going out of business.

Mr O’Neill, who became chairman in June, said he was investigating why none of the cash had been paid, despite the club staging a photocall for the handover of a £25,000 cheque towards a monthly instalment.