SOUTHEND United legend Steve Tilson believes the National League will have to make a decision on the Shrimpers’ future next week.

Blues are facing a number of issues on and off the field as they battle to be able to start the season at the beginning of August.

But Tilson – who played for his hometown club before also going on to manage them – feels the league will soon be forced into action.

“It’s all up in the air but I think the National League will have to make a decision by next week,” said Tilson.

“They can’t let it go on and on so I think we’ll be clearer by Friday week with exactly what is going on.

“In the meantime let’s hope a consortium comes in and buys the club to take it forward because this situation is massively worrying.”

Blues currently have just 14 contracted players and have been under a transfer embargo since September.

Staff at the club have gone three months without being paid while a few have not been paid in four.

The league are paying close attention to the situation and Tilson is among those feeling extremely concerned for the club.

“I’ve always been very positive that a takeover would happen, the stadium would be built and the club would take off.,” said Tilson.

“But it’s been so long now and the last couple of things I’ve read Ron has said I’m worried.

“It’s coming to a head and something has to happen pretty quickly otherwise the National League are going to have to make some kind of decision.

“Whether that’s a points deduction or they pull the club out of the league I don’t know but the thought of there not being a Southend United is just the one thing I’ve never ever thought of.

“Ron has always paid it in the end but it’s got to the stage now where even I’m worried.

“The club is back in court on August 23rd but that’s three weeks into the season so what happens during that time?”

Shrimpers supporters continue to protest against chairman Ron Martin and are nervously waiting to see what happens next.

But Tilson fears Blues will be in a for a difficult season even if they do get the go ahead to play.

“If Southend do stay in the league it’s going to be a tough season,” said Tilson.

“It hasn’t been a good pre-season and they’ve got nothing in place.

“They’ve had one pre-season friendly and the season starts in three weeks.

“Pre-season has been hit by them not being able to train.

“Going by what I hear the training ground has no water and I’m surprised it hasn’t been shut down if I’m honest.

"Pre-season has been a write off for Kevin (Maher) and I feel for him.

“The situation is bad enough as it is but having a very limited pre-season makes it even more difficult, especially with x amount of players.

“Kev will have to be very careful with injuries too because otherwise he won’t be able to get a side out.”

And that saddens Tilson who made 275 appearances for Blues before also spending seven years as manager.

“I was player and manager and the club is in my heart,” said Tilson, 56.

“I supported Southend before I played for them too.

“I used to stand on the North Bank on a Friday night and you just want them to do well.

“It’s been a long time coming sadly and it hasn’t been great the last four or five years.

“It’s just gone on that slide but I hope it ends soon because if it doesn’t it will be down to the league to decide happens next but your fear the worst.

“It’s not looking good.”