Southend consortium offer remains

Southend United say they'll repay �2.1M tax bill by Friday

A consortium of local businessmen who had offered to take over Southend's debts say they are still interested in helping the cash-strapped club.

Earlier this week, the present board turned down an offer to buy the Blues.

A High Court hearing on Wednesday was told that a £2.1M tax bill will be settled within 48 hours.

Colin Freedman, spokesman for the consortium, told BBC Essex: "We are still there willing to help. We just want what is best for the club."

We are ready to step in, ready to put the money up and ready to progress the club forward

Colin Freedman, spokesman for a consortium of local businessmen

In a statement on the club's website, Southend United said that an agreement had been reached to pay the outstanding debt to HM Revenue and Customs by Friday.

Speaking on behalf on the consortium, Freedman added: "I think we were slightly surprised that they [Southend United's board] didn't accept the offer.

"The present board say they can come up with the money by Friday. If they can, that's great, but if they couldn't come up with it for today, I don't know how they'll come up with it by Friday."

Freedman said the unnamed investors are still interested in the club.

"Our position is the same, if the club or any administrators would like us to take over, we are ready to step in, ready to put the money up and ready to progress the club forward.

"All we can do now is just wait and see."