SOUTHEND United legend Steve Tilson is confident the Shrimpers will be saved - despite their ongoing issues.

Blues chairman Ron Martin has until Friday to accept revised plans for the Fossetts Farm project from Southend City Council and that deal must be sorted for the consortium headed up by Justin Rees to officially take charge.

But Tilson is certain the club will not die.

“I don’t know all the ins and outs of it but I just can’t imagine it getting to a stage where Southend United doesn’t exist anymore,” said the former Shrimpers boss.

“Of course it’s concerning and it does seem to be going on forever.

“The consortium aren’t going to keep on spending money like they have done either because it must be close to £4million now.

“But by hook or by crook I think the club will be saved because it’s such a massive part of our community.”

Tilson has been involved in more Blues matches than anyone else in the club’s 118 year history.

The 57-year-old, who also grew up supporting the Shrimpers, made 275 appearances as a player before taking charge of 358 games as manager during seven years in charge.

And he is fully aware of how the problems will be impacting current head coach Kevin Maher.

“I don’t think they need many signings because the squad is strong but obviously the embargo makes that impossible and you would worry the problems would put people off signing anyway,” said Tilson.

“If everything is sorted though then Southend becomes an attractive proposition again.

“They’re a good side with good support and can still go for promotion if everything is sorted quickly enough which we all hope it is and there are no more point deductions."