Bradford Bulls reassure fans over winding-up petition

Bulls general manager Ryan Whitcut said that the order, brought by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, was due to an oversight and related to a previous tax bill that has since been settled.

The latest development comes a month after the club failed to pay the players’ wages on time and follows new revelations over the precarious financial predicament of Super League rivals Wakefield.

Whitcut said a signings embargo was placed on the club by the Rugby Football League as a result of the winding-up order but has since been lifted.

He maintained that owner Omar Khan, who took the Bulls out of administration a year ago and recently injected new cash to enable them to pay the latest wage bill, will continue to provide funding.

In a statement, Whitcut said: “Further to the speculation surrounding the issue of a winding-up order issued by HMRC, I can confirm that this was the case due to an oversight by myself.

“As soon as the club became aware of this debt, it was paid along with all costs due and, as it was dealt with at the time, it came as a complete surprise to see that the petition was left on file.

“The RFL was informed of the situation by myself and had correspondence with HMRC to confirm that the matter was resolved.

“The club is in a good financial position. Omar has put in excess of £1million into the club during the 2012-13 season and continues to invest.

“I hope this puts an end to speculation. My door has been and will always been open to speak to any fans with any issues relating to the club.

“I urge the supporters of the Bulls and the people of Bradford to support the club by turning up this Saturday for our final game of the season against Huddersfield and to purchase their season ticket for 2014.

“This will enable the club to drive forward on and off the pitch.”