SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin is confident the Shrimpers can overcome their difficulties - on and off the pitch.

Blues sit second from bottom in League One and must pay £668,000 to HMRC before they can get out of a transfer embargo.

But Martin insists he can steer the club through troubled waters.

"I’m not going to close the football club," said Martin.

"I’m not going to stop people coming through the door, there is a linkage between the ownership of the football club and the ownership of the land.

"But I’m not going to start developing the land, the club is either going to move to Fossetts Farm or stay here."

However, Martin feels the club's poor form has also affected the financial situation which has seen players and staff paid late this season.

"We are here because the failings on the pitch have compounded the finances," said Martin.

"I have put a huge amount of money into this football club which would’ve been healthy if it could’ve made it sustainable a decade ago.

"But unfortunately, it’s not, the planning delays and banking crisis combined put paid to that."

Blues seem certain to be back in League Two next season.

And Martin is looking to build a new look squad on a reduced budget.

"I can’t say it’s going to be a smooth path over the next few months but in August I would hope we would’ve assembled a good squad and Sol seems to be good at identifying people," said Martin.

"We have also got some young players who are very capable.

"I believe we could look forward to a successful season next year, but probably in League Two.