SOUTHEND City Council leader Daniel Cowan has called the National League's ultimatum to Southend United an 'unnecessary distraction.'

The League have told the Shrimpers they will be required to post a bond of £1million before kicking off the forthcoming campaign.

And Cllr Cowan admits it is an issue everyone could do without as talks continue between the council, Citizen Housing and the consortium to ensure the club changes hands.

Cowan said: "This is an unnecessary distraction at an important time when the club needs support from the National League to complete this takeover.

"I’m disappointed in this development but we will remain focused on what we need to do to support COSU and SUFC."