Southend handed debt deadline

Southend have been given 35 days to settle winding-up claims over unpaid debts.

Shrimpers given 14th April deadline

Southend have been given 35 days to settle winding-up claims over unpaid debts. The League One strugglers are believed to owe around £200,000 to the Inland Revenue. Southend chairman Ron Martin disputes the claim, suggesting they do not owe the money as they overpaid when settling an outstanding £2.15million debt in November. Southend were given a stay of execution of 28 days when they went to the High Court in February and following Wednesday's latest hearing they have been given a further 35 days to find the funds to pay the debts. It has been reported that the cash-strapped club have fallen behind in payments of wages to the squad over the last few months. The Essex club could face administration and a 10-point deduction should the winding-up order be made on 14th April.