SUPPORTERS groups of crisis club Southend United have warned Shrimpers owner Ron Martin they will take coordinated public action to hamper the family businesses if he doesn't sell up soon.
It comes following a statement from prospective buyers of the beleaguered National League club revealing they've had two takeover bids rejected. Justin Rees, on behalf of the group of investors, believes Martin will ensure the club isn't liquidated at their next court hearing on October 4, but says the “threat of administration remains”.
The Essex outfit, who have been under a transfer embargo since last September, were deducted ten points by the National League in August for failing to fully discharge their HMRC debt at a court hearing that was adjourned to a final hearing next month.
Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Maidenhead United – which lifted Kevin Maher's side off the bottom of the table – was halted for four minutes when fans threw toy rats onto the pitch. A protest march was held yesterdayy ahead of their game with AFC Fylde and the combined supporters's' groups have reiterated their call for owner Martin to relinquish control.
A statement said: “The supporters are more informed than ever about the Martin family's web of businesses.
Mechanisms
“We are confident, therefore, that public action could be coordinated to hamper the family's ability to develop property in Southend in the future, by frustrating planning applications via democratic mechanisms.
“We believe Mr. Martin to be unfit and improper, both as the owner/custodian of a football club and as a co-applicant for a publicly-funded real estate development, and our desire and ability to make conducting business difficult for him and his family, should he not do the right thing by Southend United FC, must not be underestimated.”
Australian businessman Rees released a statement earlier in the week on their latest position, including to confirm the club taking ownership of Roots Hall and the club's training ground again is key to a deal.
Redevelopment
“We remain open to continued negotiations with Mr Martin. However, it now seems unlikely that any deal can be agreed prior to the 4th of October court appearance date,” Rees said.
“Any deal is particularly complicated due to the state of the club's finances, the condition of Roots Hall, the non-viability ot a new stadium at Fossetts Farm, as well as the ownership of the training ground and Roots Hall properties remaining outside of the club.
“We do not intend to make the full details of our bid public at this time except to note that it is centred around retaining and upgrading Roots Hall as the club's stadium, while taking ownership of that property plus the training ground back into the club.
“We believe this would release Mr Martin to develop Fossetts Farm without a new stadium requirement, and as a result, are looking to him to contribute funds back towards the redevelopment of Roots Hall.”
