THE consortium trying to take control of Southend United are becoming "increasingly concerned" about the time it is taking for the council to complete their due diligence.

The consortium have already pumped £3.5 million into the Shrimpers despite not officially owning the club.

And, in response to a statement issued by new council leader Daniel Cowan, the consortium have  now confirmed their concerns at how slowly things are moving.

In a comment to the Echo, the consortium said: "The consortium are getting increasingly concerned that the council's due diligence processes will not finish prior to the 26th of June winding up hearing in the high court.

"While acknowledging the importance of the council’s processes, the consortium was initially told that due diligence would start in January and complete within six to eight weeks and has been funding the club on that basis."