SOUTHEND United’s chief executive has explained the club’s latest financial dispute – and assured fans there’s nothing to worry about and the winding-up petition will be sorted out.

Steve Kavanagh expressed his frustration at the irony of being served an order by London law firm Dechert LLP, and says the focus must now remain on the club’s push for promotion.

He told the Echo: “The issue surrounds a legal firm’s fees, incurred at short notice and therefore at a high cost.

“This was over five years ago defending, ironically, an HM Revenue & Customs winding up petition.

“Discussions have gone on over a long period and it’s disappointing that this has now happened. I imagine the group changing legal advisers probably hasn’t helped.

“Funds are in place to ensure this is dismissed. We do not take these matters lightly, but our main focus continues to be winning on the pitch and achieving promotion to League One.”

The club is due to go the High Court on March 30.

Previous disputes have seen eight winding-up orders issued within the space of three years, up until May 2013.

Supporters have welcomed the resolution of the latest order involving the club. Jamie Forsyth, co-editor of All At Sea fanzine, said: “These winding up orders used to be far more frequent and we haven’t seen one for a while which is great.

“It is a concern as we have been led to believe the club has been a little more stable of late.

“However, the club was fairly swift to offer up an explanation on this, claiming it was a disagreement that has been resolved, so I expect most fans will move on and look forward to tomorrow’s game with Cambridge United.”

Chairman Ron Martin has previously said the orders were the result of over-zealous behaviour by HM Revenue and Customs.

Last month, the Echo revealed the Blues were consulting Southend Council on adding homes and a cinema to its proposed Fossetts Farm stadium before submitting a formal planning application.

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