SOUTHEND United are back in court today – with fans fearing for the future of the football club.

The winding up petition, issued by HMRC, was initially adjourned back in November.

But the case will be heard again this morning.

And long-term supporter Scott Barber is among those concerned.

“The court appearance tomorrow is a dark cloud that hangs over, what should be a sunny and beaming atmosphere at Roots Hall,” said Barber.

“The management team and talented squad are being hindered by off the field issues, which I simply cannot see changing unless new owners and investment is accepted or found.

“It seems to be a bigger concern these days, but ever since my time as a Blues supporter, we have found ourselves in and out of the news regarding HMRC.

“Ron Martin has never let us down previously, and I sincerely hope it is sorted this time around, because we should really be in with a decent shout of the play-offs this season and we aren’t a million miles away from Wembley in the Trophy.

“This club means so much to so many, a long history, great memories and moments have been witnessed.

“It certainly is my life, my release from the day to day troubles we all face.

“Let’s just hope and pray the situation is resolved without the need of nasty scenes and protests, and we can go forward as Southend United."

Euan Bass – who has supported the Shrimpers since 1969 – is also concerned.

And he has called for chairman Ron Martin to leave the club.

“For as long as I remember we have had court case after court case going back to the Vic Jobson days, and I feel that we will probably have a few more years of this,” said Bass.

“The problem seems to be that the future of the club depends on the development, and the development depends on the future of the club.

“But without a big financial injection it’s hard to see the sustainable future of both.

“We have a chairman who I genuinely believe loves the club, and is determined to deliver what he says, but in all honesty does it have the financial minerals to do that.

“In life sometimes you have to be strong and brave enough to accept your involvement in something has come to an end, be that a relationship a friendship a business or in this case a football club.

“Ron thanks for everything you have done but it’s time to pass the baton on to someone else.”

Martin Harris has watched Blues for 55 years and is starting to fear the worst.

He said: “I’m very worried.

“Rumours are that we can’t pay off the tax bill, contrary to what has always happened in the past.

“As such, another adjournment is sought, so at best no real change yet, but worse case the Winding Up Order comes into effect which has serious consequences for the club of course.”

And Simon Dodd, a fan for 33 years, feels Blues are now closer than ever before to folding.

“We are at possibly our hardest match of the season - HMRC away,” said Dodd.

“No stranger to this under the Chairmanship of Ronald Martin esq, but this does seem the closest we've ever been to going the way of Bury, Macclesfield, Aldershot and the like.

“Is he going to pull yet another rabbit out of the hat?

“He probably is going on rumours abound but this is embarrassing and can't go on.

“Is he close to realising his dream of a new stadium and 2000 homes?

“This will be the latest acid test.

The Shrimpers remain in a transfer embargo due to the winding up petition, meaning boss Kevin Maher has been unable to add to his squad since the end of September.

Staff at the club are also still waiting to be paid their salaries for December.

But, despite the difficulties off the pitch, Blues sit sixth in the National League and are also through to the last 16 of the FA Trophy.

Chairman Ron Martin did not respond to the Echo’s request for comment.