Southend United still under embargo but boss Mark Molesley hopes Premier League package can come to the rescue

Blues cannot officially register striker Simeon Akinola or left-back Sam Hart until the restrictions are lifted at Roots Hall.

But, as things stand, Molesley cannot call upon either player.

“At the moment they’re not available but we’re hearing the news today of the Premier League rescue package and what not,” said Molesley.

“It’s not just Southend needing that help, every football club has been awaiting that news.

“Hopefully they aren’t too far away from being available now but until I have absolute clarification we can only concentrate on the players we have available.”

Hart, who had a loan spell with Blues in 2019, re-joined Southend on a permanent basis at the start of November but has been unable to feature so far.

Akinola is also waiting to make his debut despite signing in September.

But Molesley feels the duo have been able to put the time to good use.

“Their match fitness is down but Harty has been in the building a good few weeks now,” said Molesley.

“Sim did have an injury after signing so essentially they’re literally finishing a pre-season now which, in an ideal world, is what we would have wanted to give them before they’re available.

“It could time in quite well.

“They’re both fit and ready and raring to go.

“We’re getting much needed training into them so when they do come back in they will be able to play larger portions of the game than they would’ve done a week or two ago.”

It was announced earlier today that the Premier League and the EFL have agreed a rescue package to protect lower-league clubs from going under amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The EFL said a fund of £50million in the form of a grant and monitored grant payments has been agreed for League One and Two clubs while the Premier League will provide a further financial commitment to assist the EFL in securing a £200m loan facility that clubs in the second tier will be able to utilise interest-free.