Southend United's prospective buyers, the Custodians of Southend United consortium, are critical of the National League's £1m demand, which they believe is complicating their bid to complete a takeover of the embattled club. The consortium, headed by Australian businessman Justin Rees, has been keeping the club afloat in recent months with funding. Southend's ongoing problems over a housing development at Fossetts Farm, where long-time owner Ron Martin had previously planned to relocate the Shrimpers, have held up the sale of the club for months. The club also faces a winding-up hearing in court on Wednesday. The Shrimpers Trust, Southend's supporters' group, has called on the National League to show compassion after they made the £1m demand of the club. The trust said they are tired of the false dawns surrounding Martin's sale of the club. The consortium admits completing the takeover while issues remain unresolved is the only way to ensure that liquidation is avoided. The group has kept the club afloat in recent months with funding, and they urge Shrimpers to stay united and positive. The situation around Southend United becomes more complex, making it harder to find the clarity needed to digest, process and reiterate that this wonderful football club stretches beyond lease agreements, debt and turmoil. The Shrimpers Trust has encouraged Martin to resolve outstanding issues around property developments to complete the sale of the club, urging him to take this deal or lose everything. The consortium's plans to remain at Roots Hall and regenerate the site are fully dependent on the council and Citizen Housing amending their current housing contract. The group says they can offer no guarantees about the takeover, and delays and the looming High Court hearing make for a very stressful time for fans. The consortium's statement concluded by urging Shrimpers to stay united and positive. The situation is traumatic for the fans, but the consortium is working to save the club. The National League's demand has added significant risk to the consortium's plans, and they are working to resolve the issues surrounding the club's future.