SOUTHEND City Council leader Daniel Cowan has revealed he will not be able to provide an in-depth update on the Fossetts Farm deal until Monday morning.

The council remain in talks with Citizen Housing over a deal which must happen if the consortium headed up by Justin Rees are to take charge of Southend United.

And Cllr Cowan has this evening released a short update.

He said: “I know that fans are eagerly awaiting an update. Last week I confirmed the revised proposal that we would be setting out.

“I was clear that an acceptable scheme for the council must satisfy these aims: Is financially viable, does not put public money at undue risk, can make it through planning (which is the release trigger for funds for COSU to redevelop Roots Hall), gives COSU and the club the confidence they need to start preparing for next season.

“We have been hard at work all week gathering the information we need to clearly set out our position with Citizen Housing.

“We will need the weekend to construct a latter that will be sent to them on Monday, at which point I will provide a more detailed update.

“COSU confirmed to us that they did not set a deadline of today (14th) so we remain on track but continue to work at pace to provide the clarity they need.

“We’ve had positive discussions this week and remain in daily contact.

“I aim to update again on Monday AM.”