Blunkett anger as Owls are hit by winding-up move

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett has described a decision to issue Sheffield Wednesday Football Club with a winding-up petition over outstanding debts as "deeply unhelpful". The MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough said he would be in touch with the club "to offer every possible assistance".

The action by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) relates to an outstanding PAYE balance of £550,000 and the club says the petition will be heard in the High Court on 11 August. Wednesday have sought to reassure their fans that the club is "not about to be wound up, nor is it about to enter into administration". A club statement said: "We have been involved in dialogue with HMRC for a number of weeks. As such, we have been somewhat surprised and disappointed by their decision to seek a winding-up order at this time."

Mr Blunkett said: "This move is deeply unhelpful... and I hope that HMRC will move immediately to allay fears and to find a sensible solution."