SOUTHEND United are set for the biggest 48 hours of their history.

Justin Rees and the consortium he is heading up are in extremely advanced talks to take over the Shrimpers.

Sources close to the club are becoming increasingly more confident that a deal will be completed before Blues are back in the High Court on Wednesday.

And a statement confirming the deal, subject to due diligence, could even be forthcoming tomorrow afternoon.

The Shrimpers are again facing a winding up petition from HMRC and were warned on their previous visit in late August that the club would be wound up unless the remaining debt of £170,000 was settled by Wednesday’s deadline.

Rees is understood to be locked in talks with the club’s creditors but progress has been made where that is concerned.

However, there is still a slight chance of administration which would see Blues suffer a further points penalty.

Kevin Maher’s side have already been docked ten points this season due to the HMRC debt and another deduction would make it extremely difficult to stay in the National League.

The Shrimpers – who host Oxford City at Roots Hall on Tuesday night – are also due to be at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow afternoon over an unpaid energy bill.

But it is expected the case will be adjourned.

However, the uncertainty continues to concern supporters.

Dave Brabbing – a Blues fan since 1962 – has never known things to be so bad.

“Without any shadow of a doubt this is the worst it’s ever been,” said Brabbing, 73.

“I’ve stopped reading a lot of it because there’s so much that gets said and it’s difficult.

“I protested with the fans the other Saturday and I thought it was fantastic.

“Supporters of all ages were there and it showed how much the club means.

“I’m lucky because I have so many memories of the club, it’s the fans who have been coming for five years or so I feel for.

“We’re all keeping our fingers crossed but we never know who or what to believe.

"I just hope we carry on because none of us know what we would do without Southend United.”

The Shrimpers host Oxford City at Roots Hall tomorrow night.