TODAY could well be a defining day for troubled Chester City, when they face a petition to wind the club up in the High Court of Justice in London.

City owe the taxman £26,000, and failure to pay the outstanding monies or reach an amicable agreement with the court which leads to an adjournment, would mean that the 125-year-old club would be liquidated.

The club’s owner Stephen Vaughan Junior put the club up for sale for £1 on Monday, with any prospective purchaser taking responsibility for the companies debt.

Barrie Hipkiss, who has been a supporter and tireless worker with the club for nearly 60 years, said last night: “I am naturally very concerned, it is sad that the club has got into this position yet again.

“My own thoughts are that we will get an adjournment, but I am extremely worried about what the future holds.”

At least two consortia of local businessmen are known to have shown interest in entering a “due diligence” process, however both groups will not move the procedure forward until the results of todays court hearing are known.

Chester will be legally represented at today’s hearing.