Southend United days away from being wound up but Levelling Up fund could save stricken club

After discussions with local MP Anna Firth and Southend-on-Sea city councillors, the Shrimpers Trust Board, which represents around 1,000 fans, confirmed last week it had filed an “Expression of Interest” to the Community Ownership Fund “ to “bring ownership of the freehold of Roots Hall Stadium and its facilities into the hands of those who value it most – our local community of Southend-on-Sea”. “This is not just about securing Southend United’s future,” the statement adds. This forms part of an extensive project to explore all avenues available to increase the role that supporters play in the security and long-term sustainability of Southend United FC.” Ms Firth later told The Telegraph that she had been working with the Shrimpers Trust, Southend City Council and Martin “to hold HMRC at bay and save Southend United for over a year”. The MP, who has also held meetings with ministers and expressed concern in Parliament five times, added: “The club needs fresh energy, new ownership and funds to ensure its long-term survival, however, the level of debt, operating losses and state of the current stadium at Root’s Hall make this very difficult.” Martin has been separately seeking adjournments to winding up orders so that a sale of the club could be completed.