CONSORTIUM members Justin Rees and Jason Brown have flown back to England in a bid to quicken their takeover of Southend United.

Rees will arrive from Australia on Monday morning while Brown has headed home from Hong Kong ahead of a hugely significant day for the future of the Shrimpers.

The consortium revealed last week how they are now trying to take control of the club immediately after the National League requested a £1million bond to be paid to prove Blues could fulfil their fixtures during the forthcoming campaign unless their was a change of ownership.

The Shrimpers have appealed that decision while takeover talks continue with Ron Martin but the Echo understands there is now an issue with the previously committed £20million contribution to Roots Hall development.

The National League are continuing to monitor the situation while they also assess their next move.