SUPPORTERS of Hyde United are facing a race against time to safeguard the future of their team

Hyde United – which plays in the Blue Square North division - has been at the heart of the town for almost 100 years. And every weekend the team is watched by up to 500 fans.

But now the future of the team is under threat, after club bosses were presented with a winding up order by HMRC.

The club has an outstanding bill for £180,000 – and unless they can raise the sum by mid July they fear they may be forced to close.

Members of the Hyde United Supporters’ Club have approached more than 300 businesses from across the region for support. And they are planning a number of fund-raising events in the next few weeks.

Stalybridge and Hyde MP James Purnell, who is president of the club, is among those who are backing the supporters’ campaign.

“Hyde United has been at the heart of Hyde for many years," said Mr Purnell.

“Hundreds of fans turn out every week to support their team. And the home matches have introduced generations of youngsters to football.

“If Hyde United was to disappear it would be a great loss to the town. And I am determined to help the supporters do all they can to safeguard its future.”

Supporter Julie Whitehead, who is also a member of the club's board of directors, says the Save Hyde United campaign has got off to a flying start.

And she is hopeful that if their fund-raising continues at its current pace they will be able to secure a further extension to the time they are allowed.

She said: “The campaign has had a positive response.

“Even those people who don’t come to the club every week have a strong affinity with it. They may have been as children and have a strong sense of nostalgia – and it’s clear that people really want it to be there.

“People have been really supportive and what’s clear is that they want Hyde United to stay in Hyde. It’s a really family orientated club - and it’s great to get so many children turning up to matches

“This is the only football club that is actually in Hyde – and it gives people access to a football stadium on their doorstep.”

More information about the Save Hyde United campaign can be found at www.hydeunited.com/savehydeunited

Published June 17, 2009