SOUTHEND United chief executive Tom Lawrence believes the Shrimpers are close to being able to pay their outstanding salaries.

Echosport revealed earlier this week how office staff members were still waiting to be paid for December and January.

But Lawrence says the situation should soon be sorted.

In a short statement issued to Echosport, he said: “It is correct that we have some salaries outstanding for December and January.

“We are working hard to resolve, and we are grateful to our staff for their patience.

“We believe we are close to being able to remedy the position.”

Blues have also fallen behind in their payments to St John Ambulance.

But Lawrence confirmed they would be in attendance at this weekend’s match against York City at Roots Hall.

He added: “St John Ambulance are owed some money.

“We have fallen behind on a payment plan, but we are communicating with them on this and hope to be able to get things back on track.

“The postponed games adversely impacted our cash flow – which is why we fell behind.

“St John’s will be providing cover for the next match.”