SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin says he is confident the club will avoid being wound up over a £40,000 disputed tax debt at the High Court today.

He spoke after councillors agreed to change the club’s financial commitments to Southend Council as part of its planned Fossetts Farm stadium development.

Councillors at a special meeting of the development control committee yesterday agreed changes to a legal agreement allowing the club to stagger a £6million payment towards town centre regeneration.

The club and joint applicant Sainsbury’s also asked for a revised timescale to pay for a range of community projects agreed when planning permission was given.