THE BLUES have avoided administration after a petition to wind up the club was dismissed.

Southend United were in the High Court in London facing a winding-up order from loan company Charterhouse Commercial Finance over unpaid debts of £140,000.

But the court heard that the debt had been paid off and Mr Registrar Nicholls dismissed the petition.

As a result, HM Revenue and Customs will withdraw its application to put the club into administration.

At a hearing on August 2, an agreement was made with the taxman that they would not wind up the club if they survived today's hearing.

  • SPECIAL REPORT IN THURSDAY'S ECHO