GARY Lineker is desperate to see Southend United saved this week.

The Shrimpers are facing a crunch few days as they fight to remain in existence.

And the Match of the Day presenter wants the feel-good factor he is currently experiencing at the European Championship in Germany to soon be matched at Roots Hall.

The former England striker told the Echo: “Out here in Germany with the BBC it’s great to see the joy and excitement football can give people, there’s a real party atmosphere with fans mixing and enjoying the games.

“This is what football can do.

“It brings people and communities together so it’s therefore really troubling to hear about the very precarious situation Southend United find themselves in. “

Blues are back in the High Court on Wednesday due to a winding up petition issued by Stewarts Law and PG Site Services which totals £500,000.

The hearing comes at a time when the consortium is still trying to take control of the club.

And Lineker is fully aware how serious the situation is.

“I understand it is a critical week,” said the 63-year-old.

“Negotiations are ongoing with the council, the current chairman and the consortium wishing to take over.

“But with the club back in court this week facing another winding up order I just really hope that those involved can compromise, conclude the negotiations and ensure we don’t lose another club from our game, a very big club at National League level.”

Lineker’s Match of the Day colleague Alan Shearer also spoke out in support of saving the Shrimpers last week.

And Lineker is fully aware of how much Blues mean to the community having played at Roots Hall himself.

“It’s a club with well over a 100 years of history and a stadium, Roots Hall, where I actually lost with Spurs in the late 80s, so I remember it well,” said Lineker.

“Football is a business and of course all businesses need money to survive, but I just really hope those involved can find a solution for the greater good.

“Southend United matters so much to so many people in the city and further afield.

“If a deal can be done imagine the feel good factor around the place and the lift it will give everyone.

“ I know it’s been a troubled few years for the club and at a time when things aren’t great for many people I really hope a solution can be found. “I understand it’s complicated, but fingers crossed all parties involved can find a way and a little bit of what I’m enjoying at the Euros can make its way to South East Essex.”