HMRC issues second winding-up order against Southend United

HM REVENUE & CUSTOMS has issued a second winding up order against Southend United FC in less than a year.

The League two side owes approximately £30,000 to the taxman, The Echo reports.

The club avoided entering administration last year following a winding-up petition from HMRC in July. In August, Southend United managed to arrange a repayment plan after it signed a deal with Sainsbury's.

Last year's winding up order from HMRC was for an estimated £238,710.

The club is not under a transfer embargo during this petition, unlike the previous winding up order, which stalled all transfers.

Update:

An HMRC spokesman wouldn't comment on an individual case, however, he said: "HMRC treats football clubs just like any other business."

"HMRC are always ready to consider entering into realistic arrangements to give a business time to pay the tax it owes.

"But there will be instances when a business is no longer viable and in those cases HMRC has a duty to take the appropriate action. This approach has not changed because of the current economic conditions."