FANS have expressed relief and delight after Southend United fended off another winding up order from the taxman.

The Echo understands a petition to wind up the football club over an unpaid tax bill has been withdrawn after the debt was paid.

It was the eighth time in three years the Blues have been threatened with an order, only for the debt to be paid.

Rob Craven, of fan group the Shrimpers Trust, said: “Our chairman spoke to owner Ron Martin yesterday and he was assured it was in hand and the money had been paid.

“Obviously it’s frustrating as a fan to see the headlines saying another winding up petition was issued, but it seems to get sorted every time, which is a good thing.

“Hopefully this may be the last time.”