SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher was taken by surprise following the club’s latest winding up petition from HMRC.

The Shrimpers will be back in the high court in mid-May due to another outstanding tax bill.

But Maher knew nothing about this situation until earlier today when the news became public.

“It’s come as a surprise to be honest,” Maher told Echosport.

“We know there are the problems but it’s something that’s out of my control and out of my remit really.

“I want to focus on football as much as I can but when you hear things like this it puts us in a position that needs to be addressed.”

Blues’ ongoing issues with HMRC have seen the club placed in a transfer embargo since September.

And Maher admitted it had been a tough time for everyone connected with the club.

“It goes without saying it’s difficult,” said Maher.

“You want to focus on football and talk only about that too.

“I want to talk about the brilliant players we have and how we want to take this club forward with the staff who work so hard every day.

“I want to speak about the fans who back us in big numbers and we feel like we’ve done such good work to get the club and the players to this position.

“We want to keep it moving forward and as quickly as possible too.”

Despite the off-field issues Blues finished eighth in the National League last season.

And Maher remains proud of his players’ efforts “When you reflect on it, there were so many obstacles we had to deal with,” said Maher.

“Other teams were strengthening and evolving as the season progressed and we lost players.

“If we still had them in the building I feel like we would’ve comfortably have made the play-offs.

“It’s frustrating but I’m immensely proud of the players.

“They’ve gone above and beyond again.”

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