Southend United pay latest HMRC arrears

Southend United have paid an outstanding HM Revenue & Customs bill, meaning a winding-up petition will be dismissed in the High Court on 24 June.

The arrears were for one month's PAYE and national insurance contributions.

It was the sixth time in four years that Southend had been issued with a winding-up petition.

South Eastern Leisure, the club's parent company owned by chairman Ron Martin, advanced the funds to pay off the debt.

The Essex side has been making losses for a number of seasons and reported an overspend of £100,000 a month during the 2010-11 campaign.

But it is hoped the completion of a new stadium at Fossetts Farm will help alleviate the financial strain.

"Following relegation from the Championship in 2007-208 the club incurred significant losses, which we have been able to improve year on year since then," read a club statement.

"That trend is forecast to continue into next season. The club's parent company have been supportive throughout and again advanced the funds to discharge the liability to HMRC.

"As the financial position continues to improve it is hoped that the club will become less dependant on its parent as it moves into the new stadium"