Sheffield Wednesday Football Club (SWFC) has moved to reassure fans over the club's long-term future after it was served a winding up order by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The npower League One club confirmed that HMRC had launched legal proceedings over an unpaid PAYE debt totalling £550,000, but said that it would not be entering administration. A SWFC spokesperson 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.

"We understand that HMRC is taking a tougher line in general with football clubs, but feel their actions are disproportionate and will raise unnecessary speculation as to the financial position of the club." Meanwhile, administrators acting on behalf of Crystal Palace Football Club (CPFC) have announced that the Championship club is now at the "beginning of the end" of its rescue process.

Brendan Guilfoyle of the P&A Partnership confirmed the club's Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) had not been challenged, allowing new owner CPFC 2010 to apply for the club's Football League share. Guilfoyle said: "This is now the beginning of the end of the rescue of Crystal Palace FC. I am delighted and would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support and patience of the staff and fans and indeed everyone involved at Crystal Palace."