SOUTHEND United have been given another 42 days to pay off their HMRC tax debt.

Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin was back in the High Court this morning after the initial hearing was adjourned back in May.

And his application for a second adjournment was granted, meaning he now has until August 23 to pay off the £275,000 debt.

However, doubts still surround the future of the club as the National League must now decide whether or not to allow Blues to remain in the fifth tier of English football.

Martin adressed Judge Sally Barber himself and said more time was needed for the fit and proper owners test to be carried out by those wanting to buy the club.

PG Site Services and Engie Power are no longer part of the winding up petition, meaning it is now HMRC alone.

Two witness statements were submitted to court the day before the hearing but only one was received by HMRC.

The season will kick off on Saturday August 5.

Echosport has contacted the National League for comment.