SOUTHEND United have been granted a final adjournment for their HMRC tax bill.

The Shrimpers were back in the High Court this morning due to a winding up petition.

And chairman Ron Martin was told by Judge Prentis if he was in charge of any other business it would have been wound up.

Judge Prentis said: "If this was not a football with the attachment of its fans I would be winding you up today.

“You will be wound up on the next date if it's not sorted."

Martin said £80,000 of the remaining £250,000 tax bill was paid yesterday morning but a barrister for HMRC said he had not seen proof of the transfer.

The Shrimpers will be back at the High Court on Wednesday October 4 are now at risk of being deduced 10 points by the National League.