SOUTHEND United have denied failing to pay their players on time for December.

Several sources close to the Shrimpers claim that some of the team had not yet received their wages and that the whole squad are still waiting for their appearance money which was due on December 31.

But a club spokesman has refuted those suggestions.

“The players were paid on time,” he said.

However, others close to the club, who did not wish to be named, claimed otherwise.

“There are at least three players in the squad who haven’t been paid at all for December,” said a source.

“None of them have received their appearance money which they get each time they play and it does still seem like there are real financial problems at the club.”

Full story in Thursday's Echo