MOST of Southend United's squad are still waiting to be paid for May, the Echo understands.

The players were due to pick up their wages at the end of last month.

But the majority of them have yet to receive their salaries.

“Most of the players and staff are still to be paid their money for May,” confirmed a source close to the club.

“It’s not the first time this has happened but it certainly doesn’t help anyone that it’s happened again at the time of year when some players are thinking about their futures and where they want to be playing next season.

“One or two have been paid their wages but they’re certainly in the minority and, as you would imagine, it’s caused some unrest among the players because they’re 10 days late now.”

Blues’ squad were paid late on several occasions last season but the cash-strapped club will currently have less money coming in due to matches not being played at this time of the year.

The Echo also understands that the Shrimpers remain under a transfer embargo but any deals cannot officially be completed until the start of July when the transfer window reopens.

The club were not available for comment before the Echo went to print.