The HMRC winding up order against PVC Ltd was published in the Gazette official public record earlier this month. The notice states that a petition was presented on May 15 2014 by the commissioners for HMRC and will be heard on 18 August. It relates to an unpaid tax bill.

However Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite has told supporters of the League One club that the winding up order is for an old company, PVFC Ltd, and will not affect the football club which is now owned by Port Vale Football Club, which records from Companies House show was set up in February.

Smurthwaite said: ‘This is a clerical error going back to 2012/13 and is the old company. PVFC Ltd is being wound up anyway, it is a company that is no longer trading. It doesn’t affect Port Vale Football Club Limited.’

Smurthwaite also told the fans website that ‘this has been sorted and the Inland Revenue aren’t owed money anyway. It was a clerical error and there is no risk to the football club.’

Port Vale previously faced a winding up petition in February 2012 before going into administration the following month. After an eight-month period in administration, businessman Paul Wildes took over the club in November 2012. Port Vale ended last season at ninth place in League One.