HEREFORD United Football Club have staved off a winding-up petition.

United’s board have secured funds to pay an outstanding £36,500 bill to HMRC.

Now the club have asked supporters’ group HUISA to front a campaign to help raise an additional £10,000 per month for the remainder of the season.

“More immediately we have a payroll run to complete, and shortly we will have a further tax bill to satisfy,” said a club statement from Hereford United.

“We would, therefore, once again ask for as many fans as possible to get behind the club and attend the remaining homes matches.

“We will be holding a fans forum shortly to look at all revenue generating ideas in order that we may succeed in our quest to overcome this period and move forward on a sound footing.”

United’s fans had been sweating over the club’s fate after the Bulls were summoned to appear before the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday.

But a United club statement this afternoon confirmed an outstanding payment to HMRC had been met.

“We would like to, once again, extend our thanks to Bulls fans from all over the world who have supported us to date during this difficult transitional period,” the club statement said.

“However, the hard work continues, both on and off the pitch. Internally, the club will continue to review all lines of cost to ensure there is absolutely no wastage and that moving forward he club inch toward a break even budget ahead of next season.

“Externally we need all fans to continue to support the club in a number of ways. As well as our continued work to reduce costs on a day to day basis, we also need to increase fund-raising activities to generate around £10,000 extra per month for the remaining months of the season.

“This could include donations, fundraising events and club lottery membership to name a few, and we would also extend an invitation to all supporters to suggest other fundraising streams.

“With this in mind the club have asked HUISA, as they are already a proven, committed fundraising body, to front the fundraising activities in order that we can bridge our monthly shortfall.”

United are hoping fans will turn out in force to watch tomorrow’s home match against Salisbury City and Tuesday’s derby against Kidderminster Harriers at Edgar Street.

“We appreciate we often call upon the same dedicated fans to dig deep, but now we would call upon you to try and rally around friends and family and bring them along to Edgar Street with you,” said United club statement.

“If we can move our average attendance closer to the 2,000-mark, financially, it will help considerably.

“While we appreciate the superb financial support that you have given us recently in terms of donations, and following requests from fans, we will be accepting your generous donations via collection buckets at all remaining home matches, and online 24/7 via the official website.

“The board would once again like to thank all fans for their support and commitment and as previously stated are looking to secure the long term future of the club through present activities regarding leases and through external sources.”