SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin has tonight told fans protesting outside his house that a deal to sell the club will not be completed before Wednesday.

A group of around 12 frustrated supporters gathered at Martin’s home to express their displeasure at how the club is being run.

And one fan, who did not wish to be named, has told Echosport what was said.

“Ron Martin came out to talk at one point and he told us and I quote because it was recorded, it won’t happen before Wednesday that’s for sure,” said the concerned fan.

“I know some people might think going to his house is a step too far, I used to think that that too.

“But I just care too much to sit back and watch this club die.

“We want to know what’s going on and fans who have supported the club up and down the country deserve to know what is going on too.”

The Shrimpers will be back in the High Court on Wednesday to face a winding up petition from HMRC which was adjourned in May.

Some staff at Roots Hall have gone four months without being paid while the club has been in a transfer embargo since September due to money owed to HMRC.

Anna Firth,MP for Southend West, and members of the Shrimpers Trust met with the National League earlier today amid fears the club would not be allowed to continue in the fifth tier of English football next season.