TAX turmoil may have enveloped the County Ground but manager Andy King believes the club has survived darker hours than this one.

The Town boss has lived through the bulk of the club's financial dramas over the last four and a half years and feels that the situation is moving in the right direction.

Town face a winding up order in the High Court next week if they fail to pay VAT to HM Customs and Excise in the region of half a million pounds.

As he prepared for tonight's LDV Vans Trophy southern area semi-final at Southend United, King reflected on the latest cash 'crisis'.

He said: "Of course it effects us (players and coaching staff).

"Things go on behind the scenes that the players cope with month in and month out that we don't whine about.

"I have been assured though by the directors that the money is being found.

"It's not a nice situation to happen again, it's frightening, it's your job, but you keep going."

Despite obvious concerns King feels the club is in a stronger position to cope with this setback than in the past.

He said: "I still think there's progression here.

"Eighteen months ago this news would have closed us down.

"Every time one of these things popped up in the past you were facing the end of your football club.

"That's not the case now I feel. It is a minor setback, along with the results."

Club captain Matt Hewlett, pictured, is another 'veteran' of financial woes at the County Ground.

He knows the players can do their bit by pushing the club closer to a lucrative pay day at the Millennium Stadium.

The 29-year-old, who is back in contention for a starting slot at Roots Hall tonight, said: "We have seen these things before. It seems to be part and parcel of life here.

"As players we just have to concentrate on the football and the way we can help the club financially is by pushing for a place in the LDV final.

"It won't be easy at Southend but if we apply ourselves correctly then we have to be confident of getting through to the area final."

As for attempts to inject the necessary funds into the club ahead of next Wednesday's deadline, director Bob Holt said this morning: "Strenuous efforts are ongoing."