HM Revenue and Customs is currently hot off the mark with all businesses, more so with football clubs, following several high profile examples of suffering huge losses such as at Portsmouth FC.

Southend United has been subject to several winding up petitions over past 12 months but the Club has always met their debt in full, albeit late.

The Club was served with winding up papers on Monday for outstanding PAYE contributions for April/May.

It was agreed on 22nd June to settle the approximate £200,000 balance but within a day proceedings were started by HMRC against the Club, which are due to be heard on 8th July.

Chairman Ron Martin has been away from the Club for the past seven weeks following several operations but hopes to return soon.

Mr Martin said: "HMRC were quick off the mark as they are with football clubs and of course entitled to be.

"Nevertheless I will ensure that the entire sum is settled before the hearing and will continue to ensure that the necessary finances are in place in order to steer this ship into calmer waters."