SOUTHEND United’s contracted players have now been paid for June – but fears remain for the future of the football club.

The Shrimpers squad did not train together last week as they waited for their wages and their friendly at Canvey Island – which was originally due to take place on Tuesday – has now been put back to July 25.

However, it was the only the players who got paid and the majority of office staff at Roots Hall are now waiting for three months’ money while some are waiting for four.

Boss Kevin Maher and his backroom team have yet to be paid for June while others he works alongside have not been paid for two months and have now opted to stay away from Boots & Laces, which may leave the squad without medical treatment should they opt to return this week.

The cash-strapped club are deep in crisis but controversial chairman Ron Martin remains in talks with the Kimura group to sell the Shrimpers.

Discussions continue but it is understood the deal is being held up by the stadium side of the transaction.

However, Kimura’s deal is believed to only be on the table until Wednesday when the Shrimpers are back in court following a winding up petition from HMRC.

Blues appeared in a specialist court for the initial hearing back in May and were given until July 12th to pay off the £250,000 debt.

The situation is being closely followed by the National League and it is understood the Shrimpers must pay off all debts to football creditors, which includes their own staff, if they are to remain in the fifth tier of English football next season.

Kimura declined to comment when approached by Echosport while Ron Martin and the National League did not respond.