Sacked Southend United boss Steve Wignall's long-running compensation dispute with his former employers is set to be dragged through the courts.

The League Managers Association confirmed Blues had failed to pay the last instalment of an agreed settlement plan, believed to be for around £4,000, and they would be starting legal proceedings against the club today.

Chief executive of the LMA, John Barnwell, said: "I am growing more and more frustrated with club chairmen who abuse their managers."