Bury FC have again avoided liquidation after a High Court judge allowed the club more time to settle its debts.
Lawyers for the crisis club told a specialist insolvency and companies court in London that a further extension was needed to investigate whether the club has paid too much tax to HM Revenue and Customs.
Judge Nicholas Briggs adjourned the case until December 4.
Two weeks ago, the Shakers were handed a 14-day reprieve to allow more time to repay tax debts.
As the club returned to court this morning, it was widely expected it would be liquidated, with supporters saying it would allow them to press on with plans for a phoenix club.
However, in a statement published on the club's website last week, Bury owner Steve Dale denied the club was 'dead', adding that he expected it to play football again.
The Shakers' Football League membership was withdrawn on August 27 after Dale failed to meet a deadline to provide guarantees that Bury were in a position to fulfil their Sky Bet League One fixtures.
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They became the first club to drop out of the EFL since Maidstone were liquidated in 1992.
A bid to reinstate the club in League Two for the start of next season was rejected by the remaining 71 member clubs of the EFL.
The club believe that, despite not paying staff, they have continued to automatically pay tax on the wages that would otherwise have been paid.
Judge Briggs said the adjournment was 'to determine whether HMRC have been overpaid'.
He added: “Let’s sort it out and I’ll give you time to do it.”
Despite the extension, plans are already being put in place for a phoenix club, and a charity match recently took place to raise funds towards it.
Should a new club be created, it would have to apply to the Football Association for entry into the non-league pyramid ahead of next season.
That could see the club drop as low as the tenth tier of English football.
