THE consortium keen to take charge of Southend United remain in crunch talks with chairman Ron Martin.

But, as things stands, no positive outcome is expected to be reached today and discussions will continue over the weekend.

The group of businessmen, headed up by Justin Rees, are eager to gain control of the Shrimpers right now to save the club after the National League requested a £1million bond to be paid.

However, the discussions have yet to reach a resolution.

Rees declined to comment when contacted by the Echo while Martin has yet to respond and fans remained concerned by what will happen next.

Lifelong fan Richard Hughes said: “It’s time for Ron to accept the deal and go.

“He needs to put the club first because we can’t carry on like this.”