SOUTHEND United’s winding up petition from HMRC was dismissed after just 20 seconds in the high court this morning.

Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin, who was in court for the hearing, confirmed in a club statement on Tuesday evening that the debt – which was believed to be close to £2million – had been paid off.

And that was quickly confirmed in court.

Judge Sally Barber considered the National League club’s case at an Insolvency and Companies Court hearing.

But a lawyer representing HMRC, which made a winding-up application, told her the money has been paid.

Martin declined to comment when approached by Echosport at court but Shrimpers supporter Phil Cockerton was also in attendance and admitted he was still concerned for the future of the club.

“I’m here as a fan and my feeling was I wanted to come along to be at the side of the death bed if the club was going to die,” said Cockerton.

“After the statement last night we sensed that wasn’t going to happen but it was interesting to be there and it was short and sweet.

“But I’m still deeply concerned and I don’t think anything changes really. 

“He’s paid but what happens next? Are we going to be here in four months again. I’m still as worried as I was last week.”

And those sentiments were echoed by fellow fan and All at Sea fanzine co-editor Liam Ager.

“I’m grateful to get it all over and done with and that we’re in the clear in the immediacy but it doesn’t really change the situation because he’s borrowed money at exorbitant levels of interest to pay off a debt  which should’ve paid ages ago,” said Ager.

“I’m still worried we will be here again in the next 12 months.”

Blues players, who waited 28 days for their January wages have now been paid for both January and February ahead of Friday night’s clash with Barnet at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers go into the National League match sitting seventh in the table with Barnet three points above them in fourth.

Get more great stories by Chris Phillips delivered to your inbox every day by signing up to our regular newsletter here