Exclusive: embargo lifted

The embargo preventing Ron Martin from blogging looks finally to have been lifted, the Southend Afternoon Echo can eventually report.

Southend manager Steve "Tilly" Tilson was able to name more than three subs on the bench for the first time in months on Saturday, including reserve goalkeeper/comedy American Ian Joyce. It is believed that Joyce had previously been unable to be named on the bench as part of the terms of the Sean Morrison loan, although the club never actually got round to officially admitting this, much like they never got round to paying their taxes.

A blog from Ron Martin explaining away talk of transfer embargoes in the past tense as a "minor inconvenience" and saying that we should have trusted him all along is expected imminently.

Tilson calls on Monopoly Commission to investigate Wolves

Southend manager Steve "Tilly" Tilson has called on the Competition Commission (formerly the Monopoly and Mergers Commission) to investigate Wolverhampton Wanderers, after news emerged that Southend have tried to sign Wolves left-back Scott Malone, 18, on loan.

Malone will become the THIRD Wolves left-back to join Southend on loan in the past 18 months, following Charlie Mulgrew and George Friend. It is believed that another left-back, Daniel Jones, who is now on loan at Notts County was Tilson's original target. Tilson was unable to renew Friend's loan when the Football League blocked the move, allowing Scunthorpe to move in and take the talented, if not pacey, 21 year old on loan to Glanford Park

With Richard Stearman, George Elokobi and Stephen Ward all competing for the left-back spot at Molyneux, it means that Wolves have over twice as many left-backs as Southend have defenders. It was this stunning stat that persuaded Tilson, who earlier this week celebrated his sixth anniversary at the club, to complain to the Competition Commission about Wolves' left-back monopoly.

It is understood that, in line with recent transfer policy, the team coach will pick him up on the way to Tranmere tonight.

League in Southend Embargo

The Football League have controversially put on embargo on discussing whether Southend United are subject to a Chelsea-style transfer ban.

Rumours have been circulated on the internet from what have been described as "very reliable sources" [(c) every internet rumour ever] that due to financial reasons Southend will not be allowed to make any signings without League consent.

When pressed about whether these reports were in fact true, the Football League sensationally revealed that they would never confirm nor deny that a club was subject to a transfer embargo.

The rumours follow hot on the heels of Southend signing Roy O'Donovan on loan. Southend manager Steve "Tilly" Tilson turned to Irishman O'Donovan after triallist Prince Rajcomar failed to turn up to yesterday's reserve game after missing his flight.