THE chairman of Southend United appeared in court charged with failing to pay more than £5m in tax following two land deals.

Ronald Martin, 68, and former chief executive Geoffrey King, 75, are accused of failing to pay £4,485,000 in VAT over the sale of land in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

The pair are also accused of failing to pay £921,260 of VAT in relation to the sale of land in Thundersley, Essex, to the same firm, Redrow Homes PLC.

Martin, chairman of Southend Utd since 2000, wore a black business suit and patterned tie as he spoke only to confirm his name, address, and age, at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

King wore a green tweed jacket and held a walking stick as he spoke only to confirm his name, address, and age.

King, of Ponds Road, Chelmsford, Essex, and Martin, of Benfleet Road, Benfleet, Essex, are both charged with two counts of cheating the public revenue.

They were released on bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 23 November.

Southend Utd, known as the Shrimpers, are currently languishing in 21st position in the National League - the fifth tier of English football.

Famous former players include striker Stan Collymore who went onto play for Liverpool and Aston Villa.

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