Further to today’s adjournment, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide fans with a short statement regarding Southend United Football Club.
I share your immense disappointment that this saga has again been extended for another 42 days but note with optimism, Mr. Martin’s expectation for the club to be sold before the end of September. I am aware of the potential buyer and have had several conversations with him and believe they are committed to the purchase and have the club’s best interest at heart. I am sure you will understand I cannot provide more details at this time but will endeavour to update you again as soon as I am able.
It looks likely at this point that the Club will unfortunately, also receive a 10-point deduction from the National League, which is truly devastating given what a spectacular start to the season we have had. Kevin Maher and the team have been phenomenal so far and all deserve the highest praise for their efforts.
There are 650 MPs in Westminster and only a few of them are lucky enough to have a professional football club in their constituency, but it is such a privilege to be able to say that I can represent Southend United and the incredible fan base that comes with it. I have been fortunate enough to meet lots of you throughout the last year and watching the community come together at the “Roots Hall Action Day” was a truly humbling experience. Hearing all your stories about Southend United and what it means to you really lends perspective to the huge importance this club has to the local community.
I have said countless times that Southend fans deserve better and more safeguards need to be put in place to protect fans against situations such as this. I will continue to lobby tirelessly on your behalf to the Government, the National League and all other parties until Southend United once again has realistic prospects for the future. I have already secured a meeting with the Rt. Hon. Stewart Andrew MP the Minister for Sport, where I will be discussing the matter of Southend United with him and the Shrimpers Trust.
Finally, whilst I appreciate this update may not be as positive as any of us had wished, I hope you can understand my current position and I hope to provide you with further updates as soon as I am able. Until then, please feel free to say hello if you see me out and about or at Roots Hall. Now more than ever, it is crucial we get behind the boys and prove to them that as long as they don’t give up on us, we won’t give up on them.
