Peter Varney has asked Ebbsfleet fans to show patience while problems surrounding the club’s new main stand are resolved.

Contractors TSP last week told Fleet they had ceased trading and were intending to go into voluntary liquidation as a result of a winding-up order issued against them by HM Revenue & Customs.

Vice-chairman Mr Varney addressed the issue in his programme notes ahead of the friendly with Southend.

He said: "In football there are good times and bad and off the pitch, the last 10 days have proved to be pretty bad ones.

"There is much I would like to say but the legal advice I have received is that the club must not make any detailed comment whilst the liquidation process follows its course.

"I just hope that it is not too long before we are able to take back control of our new stand and engage a contractor to complete the outstanding works.

"Naturally, this is going to lead to a delay in the opening of the new main stand and once we have finalised the new arrangements and have a revised completion date, we will write to all those affected by this delay advising how we will rectify the situation, particularly for those who have purchased match sponsorship and hospitality packages.

"Please be patient as our control over matters is limited at present but I can assure everyone our planning behind the scenes is in full swing. It is a challenge but one we will meet."

Ebbsfleet host AFC Wimbledon in their final pre-season game on Saturday (3pm).