SOUTHEND United could earn a cool £1million by wining at Wembley and becoming a League One club next season.

The Blues stand to pocket the cash if they can beat Wycombe Wanderers in the League Two playoff final and earn promotion on Saturday.

The club would stand to be £300,000 better off overall next season if it wins the Wembley decider.

The money could also help the Blues push ahead with plans to build a new stadium at Fossetts Farm, which have stalled.

Martin Terry, a Southend councillor and Blues season ticket-holder, said: “The additional payment and income from the Wembley game – I think we could exceed the 30,000 tickets we’ve been allocated – as well as increased publicity all helps, but more importantly, being in higher division will hopefully help make for a new ground.”

Next season League One teams will receive £1million in combined payments from the Football League and Premier League, with League Two clubs getting just £700,000.

Ken Jarvis, of fans’ organisation the Shrimpers’ Trust, said the extra cash from promotion and the Blues’ play-off appearances, could only work in the club’s favour.

He said: “The money coming in will be greatly received because, with the financial restrictions regarding percentages of turnover, if you had extra games then it might increase the turnover.

“This will allow us to have more money for wages and players next year, irrespective of which division we are in.”

City worker Paul Collins, also a season ticket-holder, said the increased revenue and exposure could improve confidence in the club and lead to more outward investment needed for the stadium.

He said: “The cash will enable the club to keep its head above water for the next few years as well as hold on to and even attract players but, as far as the new stadium goes, what is needed is capital investment.

“This raised profile will help to gather investors with confidence in the club.”

If they get to League One, the Blues will receive £640,000 from the Football League and £360,000 from the Premier League.