ANNA Firth has held a crunch meeting with the Sports Minister as the fight continues to save Southend United.

Firth, Member of Parliament for Southend West, spoke with Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP about the Shrimpers’ plight and support the Government could offer.

And Firth stressed she will continue to do all she can to keep Blues alive and took added inspiration from Kevin Maher's interview with the Echo.

She said: "I was pleased to have secured an urgent meeting with Minister Andrew.

"Southend United is a tremendous community asset which is unfortunately in the middle of a fight for its very survival.

"Southend United means so much to the local community and to the city of Southend which is why I will continue to do whatever I can to ensure the survival of the club.

"Reading the comments from Kevin Maher today I think typifies the outstanding commitment that so many supporters and people involved with the club share.

"This is exactly why it is so important that we all work together to secure the club’s future as soon as possible.

"I remain in constant contact with the National League, the Shrimpers Trust, the Government, the Council and Ron Martin and will update supporters as soon as possible.”

Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin is still trying to sell the club but Blues must pay off all football creditors if they are to remain in the National League next season.

The campaign kicks off on Saturday August 5 and Firth highlighted during her meeting the current issues the club is facing and the incredible work that has been done by fans and the Shrimpers Trust.  Firth added it was vital that a shadow board is formed as soon as possible to help the club and that she was confident that a buyer for the club would be found.

However, she also stressed the Shrimpers face a serious short-term funding crisis and raised the similar case of Bury, who received £1 million of Government support.

After listening to Firth’s concerns, the minister pledged his department’s continued support for Southend United and reiterated his wish to see the club not only survive, but thrive.

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And Minister Andrew assured Firth that upcoming football legislation was crucial to stop events like this being repeated.

Firth has been in constant communication with the National League and also took part in another crucial meeting yesterday with the Shrimpers Trust and Southend City Council.

Firth was joined by Tony Cox, the current leader of the council, as well as cabinet members and other senior figures.

Cox said: “Southend is known for two things – its football club and its pier. Being a football supporter myself, the club is in my DNA.

"We are doing everything we can in our power at the Council to ensure the club’s survival and retain a place in the National League.”

Firth is also seeking an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove to explore the possibility of Community Ownership Funds.