THE National League have confirmed teams are allowed to start a season under a transfer embargo.

Cash-strapped Southend United have been banned from adding to their squad since September due to money owed to HMRC.

Fans had feared the Shrimpers would be unable to start the 2023/24 season if the embargo was not lifted.

But the National League have now told Echosport that teams can kick off a campaign under an embargo as long as they have a license.