THE mystery consortium are still keen to run Southend United, their lawyer said last night.

The Echo broke the news to the group that their £1 offer for the club had been turned down by Blues’ board of directors.

But that will not end their interest and Alan Gershlick, the solicitor acting on behalf of the ten local businessmen, revealed they would put in another bid to the administrator if the worst happens in the High Court today.

“We hope Ron Martin does have the money but if he doesn’t then we will definitely be making another offer to the administrator,” confirmed Gershlick.

“It’s a great shame that we haven’t been able to resolve this but I’ve had no formal response from the club and it was actually the Echo who told me the news.”

The consortium, which includes successful businessmen who have made their millions in retail, security and mobile phones, made the offer for the club on Monday. They agreed to take on all the club’s outstanding debts.