The crisis engulfing League Two football club Leyton Orient has deepened as the club’s doctor resigned after players and staff were unpaid this month
Dr Craig Rosenbloom’s resignation means he can now add himself to the list of creditors owed money by the beleaguered club.
In March, Orient was granted a stay of execution by the High Court to pay off its debts or sell by 12 June or face another winding up order.
The petition was issued to the club on 2 February by HMRC, but at the winding-up hearing held at the High Court, club owner Francesco Becchetti was given the extended deadline to meet the club’s obligations.
HMRC issued the winding up order as the principal creditor, and while the outstanding taxes have now been paid, there are four other creditors awaiting payment. Rosenbloom could now add himself to that list.
Chief executive Alessandro Angelieri gave the court a statement saying Becchetti would invest £1m to pay off remaining debts in eight to 10 weeks.
Becchetti said in January he would consider selling his 40% stake in the club, which he acquired in 2014.
In its most recent financial results, for the year to 30 June 2015, Orient puts its book value, the net value of the company running the football club, at -£5,512,449, meaning the club had debts exceeding its assets of more than £5.5m.
Orient now appears almost certain to be relegated from the Football League after a 2-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday 1 April 2017 left the team bottom, nine points from safety, with six games of the season remaining.
Leyton Orient FC has been contacted for comment.
