Southend United fans ready to cheer debt repayment (From Southend Standard)

Southend United fans ready to cheer debt repayment

12:00am Friday 6th November 2009

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SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin was set to settle the Shrimpers’ £2.1million debt to the taxman today,Friday, and fans are ready to celebrate.

The club faced administration over the unpaid bill, but five minutes before the High Court hearing lawyers said the club had found the money.

Lifelong fan Chris Nice, from Southend, said: “It has been a real concern for quite some time and administration would have been a massive blow.

“We would have been relegated I think, but Ron seems to have pulled another rabbit out of the hat.”

The club was told it must settle the debt by today and are then due back in the High Court on Monday for final confirmation the money had been paid.

Blues chairman Mr Martin has kept tight lipped about how the money will be paid and did not respond to calls made by the Echo to his mobile phone.

HM Revenue and Customs declined to make any comment on the situation pending the deadline on payment.

* Southend United supporters have urged caution over the consortium who want to take over the club.

Paul Althaesen, Lars Steffensen, Gavin Simons, Rob Stillwell and Mark Gordon were all named in yesterday’s Echo as members of the ten-strong group, which is worth more than a combined £150million.

Fans have welcomed the news, but urged caution until more details are known.

“If they are Southend fans and are willing to put some significant investment into the club now and in the coming years, that can only be a good thing,” said Lee Smith, on the Facebook group Save Our Southend.

“With a reported combined worth of more than £150m, there is no doubt, if these guys are serious, they can secure our future.

“But, we cannot afford to be blinded by these figures.

“Due diligence needs to be carried out here. We cannot risk this sort of thing happening again.

“We need investors who want to be here for a long time, not just earn a few quid and go away.”

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