A GROUP of businessmen are in talks to try to save Southend United.

The Shrimpers are facing a race against time to start the National League season, with serious doubts continuing to surround the club’s future.

But the Echo can confirm that at least five men are working tirelessly together to ensure Blues can survive and they met together in Southend yesterday and today to discuss their next move.

A source close to the group said: “There is a group working collaboratively together to try and make it happen and all of them have the club’s best interests at heart.

“The group of people have a range of expertise with close connections to Southend.

“They are working together to try and make it happen and have the expertise that can support the rebirth of the football off the pitch and support it on it too.

“As everyone knows, from the statement already made by Kimura people want to collaborate.

“Negotiations by different parties have been ongoing for months with no clear progression.

“Goalposts have been moved time and time again but we’re hopeful of being able to achieve something.”

The group are keeping their identity quiet for now but it is believed to still include representatives from Kimura who spent a considerable amount of time trying to negotiate a deal with under fire Blues chairman Ron Martin this summer.

The two parties were unable to complete a transaction for the club but Kimura released a statement to the Echo yesterday wishing for other ‘interested parties’ to join them in a fresh approach, something which has now happened.

The group are fully aware of the time constraints they are facing and will work as quickly as possible to table an offer for the club.

However, the Shrimpers must satisfy the National League that they are ready to start the season at the beginning of August.

Blues are required to come out of a transfer embargo and must also pay off all football creditors, including their staff, before being allowed to play.