Southend have been advised to go into administration next week to stave off a winding-up petition from HM Revenue & Customs in the High Court.

United were due to go to the court on Wednesday, but will now face an administration hearing on 4 November.

In a statement on the club website, chairman Ron Martin said: "We have needed time to overcome the banks' inability to lend since their collapse.

"We are not looking to escape debts. We wish to ensure we pay in full."

Martin added: "Mine and my family's life has been entwined with Southend United, often taking up every waking hour and I have been doing my best, and will continue to do so, to make sure than HMRC do not rip this from us.

"Their hostile action is not only unwelcome but also destructive."

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