SOUTHEND United supporters have started to explore the possibility of starting a phoenix club amid fears for the future of the Shrimpers.

Blues have until the start of March to pay off a large tax bill following a winding up petition from HMRC while the club’s office staff are still waiting to receive wages for both December and January.

Staff – who have not been paid since November – had been due to receive January’s pay packets today but at the time of writing it has not been received while the players have also yet to be paid. 

And concerned supporters are now taking matters into their own hands.

A statement issued by the supporters groups of Southend United confirmed: “In line with contingency planning for possible liquidation of the club, a working group has been established to begin urgent exploratory work around the possibility of establishing a phoenix club to take the place of Southend United within the National League System.

“We recognise that this is an emotive subject and it is not a decision that we have taken lightly.

“The thought of Southend United as we know it ending does not bear thinking about.

“However, in the absence of any official evidence-based messages of reassurance coming out of the club, now is the time to stop treating the subject of a phoenix club as taboo. “We would be doing the club and the fanbase a disservice by not preparing fully for such an eventuality.”

 

The supporters met via Zoom on Monday evening and again urged chairman Ron Martin to relinquish some of his shares to ensure the club can be saved.

The statement added: “The groups remain united in their belief that club owner Ron Martin is not the right person to take Southend United forwards in the medium or long-term. “We reiterate our strong collective opinion that, should he continue in the role for the time being, he should seriously consider outside investment to help overcome the club’s immediate financial difficulties and progress the Fossetts Farm stadium project.

“Last week we declared our concern that, come 1st March 2023, we may no longer have a football club to support.

“Knowing how important Southend United is to us all, and to the local community as a whole, we cannot allow that to happen. “