The Blues has a few days to find the money or go into Administration. Failure to pay could result in a drop to the bottom of League One or League Two relegation, the need to sell off players, and would leave a question-mark over the move from Roots Hall to the new Fossetts Farm ground.

The High Court hearing, now set for Wednesday 4th November, is set to decide the fate of the 100 year Shrimpers.

Southender Gary Bullock told us: “From a Southend perspective, last season’s home gate averaged over 8,000. With travelling fans averaging a creditable few hundred, that leaves over 7,000 avid supporters who, for reasons such as other commitments or financial considerations, will not now be able to enjoy the excitement of a Saturday afternoon’s sport. Even more supporters will suffer as the financial burden of spiralling fuel costs make the prospect of regular away travel simply too expensive. Considering the nature of the Corporation’s funding I would have expected a more community-friendly approach to broadcasting schedules.

A member of Shrimperzone.com, a Southend United fansite, has instigated an on-line petition to press the BBC to reconsider. www.petitiononline.com/bbcessex/petition.html.

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