Crusaders FC have confirmed that an outstanding rates bill owed to Land and Property Services has been paid in full, resolving a winding-up petition filed at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast.
A club spokesperson said on Crusaders FC's Facebook page that the LPS balance had been discharged in full, days before the Irish League side was due before the Bankruptcy Master on Thursday, 24 September. The club confirmed this on Friday, 11 September.
Embargo still fresh in memory
The rates issue follows a difficult summer for the Seaview club, who were placed under a transfer embargo by the Northern Ireland Football League before the season for breaching league rules. That embargo blocked the registration of new signings Graham Kelly, Aaron Reid, Thomas Maguire and Owen Wardell until it was lifted in the week the campaign began last month.
Form dips after fast start
On the pitch, Crusaders have lost their last two league games, going down 4-1 away to Coleraine FC and then 1-2 at home to Limavady United, with Euan Dunlop's 69th-minute strike proving only a consolation. Those results leave them seventh in the Premiership on nine points from six matches, seven points behind leaders Coleraine, a gap fans will hope to close by checking the standings in the weeks ahead.
Crusaders' next assignment, is a home tie against Glentoran, currently eighth in the table, on Saturday, 19 December.
