SOUTHEND United’s chief executive Geoffrey King has done his best to calm fans fears over what they see as a lack of financial backing at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers have yet to make a single signing this summer and Southend are struggling to meet the £50,000 asking price for Stockport County defender Michael Raynes.

Blues missed out on striker Theo Robinson who eventually joined Huddersfield Town for a fee of around £275,00 and are unable to afford the wages of left-back Dan Harding who is now training with Yeovil Town.

But, when quizzed by the Echo over what appears to be a distinct lack of cash, King insisted new signings would be arriving at Roots Hall before the start of the new season next month.

And he also assured supporters that the club would be backing manager Steve Tilson in the transfer market.

“We are after players and there wouldn’t be much point in being after players if there wasn’t any money to spend,” said King.

“We’ve always backed Tilly and will continue to do so.

“He knows what areas he wants to sign players and I would be very surprised if nobody came in.”

Tilson currently has a squad of 17 players.

But that total includes three goalkeepers and fans — who have seen player of the year Peter Clarke and key loanees Theo Robinson and Dorian Dervite all depart this summer — have been quick to express their concerns.

But King was also keen to point out that there was still plenty of time to bring in new recruits.

“The squad have only just reported back for pre-season training so it’s still early days,” stressed King.

“The friendlies haven’t started yet and the type of signings we make will depend on what type Steve wants.”

>BLUES have announce the appointment of Garry Adamson as a director of the company. Adamson will join the board with immediate effect having headed up the Blues commercial department for the past two years.

“We have been delighted with Garry’s achievements since he arrived at the club and the direction he has taken our marketing and sales operations,” said Southend’s chief executive Geoffrey King.

“He has made real improvements in developing the club’s commercial revenues and customer service levels.”

“As we move towards the new stadium a range of exciting opportunities will exist which Garry and his team will focus on delivering,” he added.