Southend deny wrongdoing

Southend chairman Ron Martin insists there is no 'suggestion' of any wrongdoing at the club, which was raided by police on Thursday.

As part of a nationwide fraud investigation the club's offices were raided.

"Yesterday was bewildering for both the club staff and my family," Martin's told the club's website.

"I, of course, recognise the police have a job to do and that their operations are by their nature thorough and detailed.

"I provided absolute co-operation and there has been no suggestion of wrongdoing on the part of the club or myself.

"The events of yesterday do not affect the club's operation whatsoever and I remain fully focused in my efforts to bring success to the club and its planned move to a new stadium in order to create stability, growth and longevity."

Meanwhile, defender Adam Barrett has undergone a successful hernia operation.

The centre-half now hopes to be back in action before the end of the season.

"I'm happy to report everything went really well," he said.

"I've spoken to the surgeon and he's really pleased with how it went. It all went to plan and hopefully I can be back playing in four to five weeks.

"If everything goes to plan I will be back for the final month of the season. Hopefully everything will still be to play for."