THE Shrimpers Trust want the National League to set Southend United a public deadline as the club continue their battle to start next season.

The Shrimpers are still sweating on their place in the fifth tier of English football for the forthcoming campaign.

And the Trust have today confirmed they have made further contact with league chairman Mark Ives due to their lack of faith in Blues chairman Ron Martin.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the Trust said: “In summary, following yesterday’s statement from the owner, Ron Martin, we have little faith that he will be able to resolve the matter before the next adjourned court hearing in 42 days.

“We have therefore requested that the National League do the following.

“Set a public deadline for a date before the commencement of the new season by which Southend United FC must pay all debts to HMRC and football creditors, including all club employees, in line with National League rules around the club’s licence.

“Help to bring the matter to a swift conclusion without immediate sanctions, which would only serve to punish the supporters and employees of the club whilst having little impact on the outgoing owner.”

Blues are due to kick off the National League campaign on Saturday August 5 but remain in turmoil on and off the pitch.

The Shrimpers have just 14 contracted players and remain in a transfer embargo while staff continue to wait for their wages.

Most staff have gone three months without salaries while some have gone four.

And the Trust believe setting a deadline would be the best way to proceed.

“As emotionally difficult and worrying as it would be for many supporters to see a public, hard deadline, it is our opinion that the can cannot be kicked further down the road,” said the Trust statement.

“Setting such a date would provide much-deserved clarity to supporters and employees of the club.

“It will leave everybody, including the club’s ownership, in absolutely no doubt about the expectations and requirements.

“It will also provide a degree of certainty upon which the owner can be publicly held to account, rather than keeping such deadlines secret and hiding behind Non-Disclosure Agreements.”

The Shrimpers are due to start their pre-season schedule at Billericay Town on Saturday.

And the Trust believe Blues’ situation must soon be sorted.

“We recognise that the National League has a duty to protect the integrity of its competition, whilst satisfying other members who are acting in good faith,” they added.

“For these reasons, it is time for this matter to be brought to a swift conclusion with a clear public deadline and consequences.”