Southend administration unlikely

Southend United chairman Ron Martin has confirmed that £2.1m has been paid to HM Revenue and Customs, settling the club's outstanding tax bill.

A statement on the Shrimpers website said: "One of his [Ron Martin's] group companies has now paid in full the tax due to HMRC."

The amount paid is confirmed as £2.1m and the statement goes on: "Thereby removing the threat of administration."

A more detailed statement will be released by the club next week.