Southend fans relieved at escape

Fans have given thousands of pounds to try and save their club

Southend United fans have expressed their relief at the news that the club has not gone into administration.

The Blues chairman, Ron Martin, has told the High Court that he will repay debts totalling £2.1m by Friday.

The chairman of the supporters organisation, The Shrimpers Trust, Trevor Bashford said: "We're happy that the club have got a stay of execution."

Supporters raised around £4,000 in order to repay some of the outstanding debts and avoid a 10-point penalty.

606: DEBATE Good news that the club has not lost 10 points. Professor_P_Brayne

Bashford added: "The good news is that it does give Mr Martin more time to put together a package.

"If it gives the football club more time to negotiate with potential buyers and develop Fossetts Farm, then it's all good news."

The chairman of the Shrimpers Trust, which was formed in 2000, believes that the Blues fans will stay loyal during these financially-troubled times.

"I think the true fans of Southend United would stay very loyal, and I would like to think that a lot more would come out of the woodwork. Some offers of support have been fantastic.

"It was nearly £4,000 on Friday. There is a real loyalty to Southend United," Bashford added.