CONCERNED Southend United supporters head to Torquay United on Saturday fearing it may be the last time they get to watch their team play.

The Shrimpers remain in a perilous financial position and are back in court on Wednesday due to a winding up petition issued by HMRC.

Blues chairman Ron Martin assured Echosport earlier this week that the club would continue beyond this weekend’s clash.

But lifelong supporter Mike Jolly, who has supported the Shrimpers since the 1970s, is among those still concerned for the future.

“I’ve followed Blues since 1975, so in that time I’ve seen some fairly dark days but I’ve never felt as fearful for the club’s future as I do now,” said Jolly.

“I’m heading out to the Far East on business next Tuesday and the thing I fear most is landing after a 13 hour flight to learn that my beloved football club no longer exists.

“I really hope that doesn’t happen but despite facing a long journey next week I felt I had to make the journey to Torquay this weekend to show my support for Kev Maher and the boys who have done such an incredible job this season under the most dreadful circumstances.”

Blues’ players are still waiting to be paid for January while several staff members have not received their wages since November.

Season card holder Sam Bayda has followed the Shrimpers for 20 years and will also be going to Plainmoor fearing it will be the last game he gets to see.

“This could potentially be a farewell to the club that has given me the ride of a lifetime,” said Bayda.

“I feel like it is going to be a goodbye, when no one is ready to say it.

“We should all be buzzing driving down the motorway to Torquay, given the team’s play-off position, but there is this overhanging cloud that will follow us that we can’t shake off.

“When we win at the moment it feels like a short term fix and then it all comes back that none of us might ever get that feeling of a win after this weekend.”

And Bayda has big concerns for the future even if Blues do pay off their large tax bill which is understood to be close to £2million.

“The biggest win this club can achieve this season is against HMRC on Wednesday but again that win will be a short term fix for what will no doubt come around again under this owner,” said Bayda.

“I will never quite forget what has happened this season off the pitch, the embarrassment and unprofessionalism will impact this club until there is a new owner.

“The biggest win this club can achieve for the future of Southend is to get rid of Ron Martin.”

And Pip Halling, who records vlogs for his Diversity YouTube channel, has also been left heartbroken by Blues’ struggles.

“This club has been the source of so many beautiful beginnings for friends and family across multiple generations,” said Halling.

“I was brought to Roots Hall as a seven-year-old boy who 16 years later records videos of this club for future generations to come.

“The thought of this club dying is soul destroying.

“Football is a distraction from life, for 90 minutes you forget life’s problems.

“Losing this club is like losing a loved one, you can never properly heal from it.”