The future of Rochdale Hornets is in doubt after the Co-operative Championship division one club was served with a winding up order for £55,000 by the Inland Revenue.

The Spotland club owe £150,000 to the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise, and £40,000 to local suppliers.

The case is due to be heard at the High Court in London on January 14th, just a month before the Hornets begin their season with the Northern Rail Cup group stages.

Ken Halsall, the new chairman of Rochdale Hornets, was cautiously optimistic as to the club’s chances, saying that it would be tough but it is possible for the club to survive.

“We are looking for support and sponsors,” he said. “I would appeal to anybody who can help in the community, in business, the council whoever to get together so Rochdale Hornets can survive.

“We have to get over the first hurdle with the Inland Revenue in January. It’s going to be tough, we will have to be frugal and we will have to have a look at expenditure. Anything you cut off your expenditure is profit.

“With the right support I am optimistic we can start the season. If people come forward I think we can do it. I don’t think the case is lost yet.”

Supporters have already began fundraising efforts with a group on social networking site Facebook asking for donations to try and keep the club afloat.