The Professional Footballers' Association has confirmed Southend United's players have been paid despite the club's financial problems.

The Blues avoided being wound up in the High Court on Wednesday and there has been speculation that players have been paid late on a number of occasions.

PFA deputy chief executive John Bramhall told BBC Essex: "We have been in contact with the players.

"We have had discussion with the club, players have received the payments."

He added: "At the moment everyone seems to be, I wouldn't say satisfied, but comfortable with the situation."

Bramhall explained the players were well protected by Football League regulations from financial difficulties facing any club.

"If it's a club that simply has financial problems and are not in administration, then obviously the contract protects the players in that position, as ultimately the club will have to make arrangements to pay the players," he said.

"If they fail to do so and are in persistent breach of the contract, then a player can, if he wishes, give 14 days notice to terminate and the club have the right of appeal against that."

He added that in many cases, the off-field troubles experienced by a club have not necessarily led to a outflow of players.

"It obviously has a significant impact on a guy whose weekly wage is vital to ensure his mortgage payment and standard of life," he said.

"But even lower down the scale when we've had clubs in administration and financial difficulties, those players have agreed deferrals as well to enable the club to continue."

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