Sunderland's League One rivals suffer fresh financial woe as players wait TWELVE days for wages

Here’s a round-up of today’s big stories from around the division:

SOUTHEND UNITED FACE FRESH FINANCIAL WOE

Southend United players are still waiting for their February wages – with manager Sol Campbell confirming that first-team players and staff have not been paid their salaries, which were due on 28 February.

Indeed, the former Newcastle United defender admits he is unaware of when the situation will be resolved.

"Some of the under 23s have been paid but the senior staff playing wise and the under 23 staff haven’t been paid," he said, speaking to the Southend Echo.

"I have to work out how to get the best out of this scenario.

"It’s a delicate situation. I don’t think anyone knows what’s happening.”

Campbell’s update came on a day where the Roots Hall side saw a winding-up petition adjourned until April 29, having told the Insolvency and Companies Court in London that they hope to settle all outstanding tax debt by that date.

BRISTOL ROVERS BOSS SLAMS REFEREE

Ben Garner has discussed his frustration with referee Charles Breakspear during the Gas’ 2-0 win over Sunderland on Tuesday evening.

The Bristol Rovers boss – who was fined £500 for his comments regarding the officiating in the reverse fixture – believed his side should have had a first half penalty, while he also questioned the decision to caution home coach Adrian Tucker.

On the penalty, he said: “I saw it at half-time and even live it’s a clear penalty and all you can hope now is that he looks back at it and realised he made a mistake and that’s all you can ask for now.

“He actually booked Adrian Tucker but I think it was by mistake so again, I think they’re going to have to take a look at that and probably rescind it.

“I’m not going to grass up, but he booked Adrian for standing up in the second half but Tuck’s hadn’t left the bench at that stage so hopefully they will look back at that one and rescind it.”