Football club pays its tax bill

MERTHYR Town FC has confirmed its tax bill has been settled after fans and supporters raised more than £20,000.

Sharing an update on social media, the club said the JustGiving campaign to raise funds to pay amounts owed to HMRC has been completed.

It comes after the Valleys club confirmed last week that its debt stood at £90,000.

All of the proceeds have been released to the club, minus 5% of the total raised which goes to JustGiving, a statement said.

The online fundraising page was set up in the aftermath of the Martyrs’ 13-1 defeat against Chesham United.

The defeat in November followed major financial troubles coming to light amid a boardroom walk-out and the mass release of players.

With the extent of the amount owed not known when the fundraising page was set up, the target was later changed to £25,000.

Interim chairman Paul Donovan said: “The club have been overwhelmed by the donations received from everyone via JustGiving. There have also been numerous other fundraising initiatives including bucket collections at Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County, which has meant that we have now settled the amount owed to HMRC including interest.

“The remaining money will be ringfenced to go towards future tax owed.

“I would like to thank the Dial M for Merthyr boys for all of their fundraising activities, along with others who have raised money.”