Club owner 'disgusted' at winding-up petition
THE property tycoon leading a consortium hoping to take over at Plymouth Argyle has responded angrily to a winding-up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over allegedly unpaid tax owed by Truro City Football Club.
Kevin Heaney said the action was unjustified and has accused officials of using his role in the purchase of Argyle to force unfavourable repayment terms.
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The HMRC petition will be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on October 31.
A spokeswoman for Brendan Guilfoyle, the Argyle administrator, refused to comment on Mr Heaney's future role in any takeover ahead of a statement being released tomorrow.
The Herald was unable to contact Peter Ridsdale, Argyle's acting chairman, for a comment.
The action has raised concerns over the cost of Mr Heaney's club's rapid rise through non-league football, which has seen five promotions in six seasons.
Truro's mayor is warning that there is now a "question" over plans to create a new £24 million, 10,000-seat stadium for Cornwall in the city, shared by the club and the Cornish Pirates rugby club.
Mr Heaney, whose company Cornish Homes (UK) collapsed owing £4.8 million three years ago, insisted there was "no problem whatsoever" with the tax bill, which was "less than £100,000".
However, HMRC said it did not take such action lightly and warned it would not hesitate to wind up any business where appropriate.
HMRC said it could not give any more information about the Truro City case because of taxpayer confidentiality.
Mr Heaney said he was "absolutely disgusted" with tax officials and claims they are giving him "a kicking" to publicise the matter and get him to "agree to their terms".
Mr Heaney, a property developer who was worth £154million on The Sunday Times Rich List in 2007, bought Truro City in 2004.
He said: "I have never seen anything like it – they have done it to 42 per cent of football clubs and we don't understand why they do it. This is because of links to Plymouth Argyle, trying to give me a kicking – that's the world we live in – football clubs are easy targets."
Meanwhile, Truro City club lawyers have said HMRC failed to demand the outstanding tax for two years, describing the action by officials as "an unduly aggressive approach to a tax liability".
A statement said: "The background to this matter is that TCFC were chasing HMRC and only recently were advised of the amount of debt due."
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by JackWestport
Thursday, September 29 2011, 8:10PM
“What world do you live in Kevin Heaney?
From what I hear on the grapevine, Kevin Heaney owes even more money across the pond in Ireland. Lots of stories circulating over there. Perhaps it will all come out eventually. Certainly seems like the net is tightening.”
by Peter20113
Friday, September 23 2011, 7:18PM
“Why does the Herald give this unfortunate looking person any news coverage. He is so obviously 2007”
by LAno1
Friday, September 23 2011, 4:59PM
“Anyone who has 157 million would pay . It was money on paper that probably never existed. Looks like we got another Robert Maxwell absolutely skint and only using other peoples money to brag about. They get massive credit from everywhere then go bust and never pay the small buisnesses they rip off.”
by MickBarb
Friday, September 23 2011, 2:34PM
“He looks like a cross between John Dillinger and a ginger tom”
by newjanner
Friday, September 23 2011, 2:16PM
“I am disgusted by this mans brass neck”
by LonyTilly
Friday, September 23 2011, 1:43PM
“I really think that Heanious will regret ever getting involved with Argyle. I'm not sure he knew the depth of support that Argyle has. From being 'disliked' around Truro he is now 'disliked' over half the UK and his make believe empire is soon going to collapse around him. I bet there are business men all over Cornwall who, having been well and truly stiched up by him, are now smiling that justice is on the way.”
by Nikgee
Friday, September 23 2011, 1:06PM
“The stench from this torrid affair has just gotten bigger. I only want to hear of a solution not more woes”
by LonyTilly
Friday, September 23 2011, 12:35PM
“Mr Heanious really does think us readers are stupid and gullible. The taxes were due as you paid / received money over the 2 years. So put it in a piggy bank with interest and pay when asked. So simple. Fact is Mr Heanious doesn't have it because if he had then why not just put the lid on this and pay ??
Where is the money then ? - perhaps it was used as the down payment for Argyle !!! Justice or what !!!”
by davet876
Friday, September 23 2011, 12:25PM
“How can he be disgusted, 100K to a man who is on the times rich list. Pocket money to a man of his so called means?! Or is he a fake who has no money, no means? Its maddening that he is moaning. Just pay up and if you have the so called money and know all to save Argyle then do it and less of the moaning.
Your Tax case shouldn't have gone to court it should have been settled straight away from your vast fortune.”
by JMonners
Friday, September 23 2011, 12:03PM
“Unfair repayment terms? Its less than £100000 you are a multi millionaire.
Some people cant afford to pay bills they have no choice, shall we mention the money that is still "owed" to local companies after his building business went bust, but he still lives a multi millionaire life style.
Pay up or shut up”