GOSPORT BOROUGH'S board have revealed they are close to agreeing a sale of the club after the struggling side received their third winding-up petition in six months.
The National League South outfit were presented with another winding-up petition by HM Revenue & Customs on Wednesday.
However, a club statement says that Borough have paid the relevant tax and VAT bill in full this week and expect the petition to be dismissed at the scheduled court hearing on Monday, January 30.
Borough, who also say that players have now been paid after a delay, claim a takeover of the Hampshire side is at an “advanced stage”.
Former player Danny Thompson expressed his interest in taking charge of Gosport last month but it is unclear who the club are in dialogue with.
A club statement read: “GBFC can also confirm that the imminent takeover of the club is at an advanced stage and we are hopeful that this can be finalised and the new owner announced before the New Year. When these matters are satisfactorily concluded, a further announcement will be made.
“Bearing in mind that the club has now settled these financial matters, we are hopeful that the National League will lift the transfer embargo currently imposed on the club shortly. This will allow our management team to replace the players who have recently left the club, at the earliest opportunity.
“The club wishes to thanks its supporters for their loyalty in these difficult times. We acknowledge that these past few weeks have been extremely testing for everyone at Gosport Borough Football Club and look forward to being able to move forward under the guidance of the club's new owners into a period of stability.”
On their most recent winding-up petition, the statement added: “The club wishes to reassure its players, officials, volunteers, supporters and the general public that the relevant tax and VAT bill to this order has been settled in full with HMRC this week.
“GBFC can also confirm that the playing staff have been paid. The club wishes to unreservedly apologise to them for the distress and great inconvenience caused. The club also places on record its sincerest gratitude for them continuing to give their all on the field in the most difficult of circumstances.
“Further outstanding debts, including rent arrears, have also been settled with local debtors being remunerated in full.”
