Sports minister makes U's promise

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(taken from BBC web site)

 

Sports minister Richard Caborn has promised to try to prevent Cambridge going into liquidation.

The club went into administration after relegation to the Conference and talks with the Inland Revenue over a £500,000 debt have broken down.

 

Caborn said: "It would be tragic if Cambridge United was to fold.

 

"I'll be speaking to Dawn Primorolo at the Treasury to arrange a meeting with her to see how we can work together to try to resolve this problem."

 

United are waiting to find out if they can take their place in the Conference, while their administrators try to strike a deal with creditors.

 

If a deal is not reached, it could mean a reprieve for relegated Farnborough.

 

Conference chief executive John Moules has admitted to BBC Sport that the U's are in a "precarious position".

 

He added: "We're working with Cambridge United and all relevant parties. We've not set any deadlines and will try and help them take their rightful place."

 

If Cambridge are not permitted to play in the Conference, it could be to the relief of Farnborough - who finished second from bottom last season.

 

 

 

 

Forest Green Rovers have already been spared after Northwich Victoria were relegated over problems with their new ground and Conference membership.

And after no clubs were relegated at the end of the 2003/04 season, Moules admits it is not an ideal situation for the league.

 

"It's not good for the competition," he added.