Ex-Member1
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- Nov 24, 2007
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I completely agree, this DOES feel different, worryingly so. It cannot be compared to the 80s woes, Times now are harder financially, and more unforgiving IMHO.
I wrote a email to Ron, in many ways similar to what Chris wrote. My main concerns were the lack of honest news, being kept in the dark, but reality knowing what was going on etc. But the main focus being how does the club expect to sell ST and especially the early bird ST (i normally buy mine then) when the club is in such a mess and there is so much uncertainty surrounding the future of the club. The club is so reliant on ST sales leading up to the summer and i fear that few will take up the offers available until the picture is made more clear. Ron as stubborn as he is can not allow the situation to continue. He must front up to the press/fans, no lies, but give us the facts of what is going on, where we are at and what the future holds for the club we all follow (still in good numbers) and support
Very easy if you want to buy a season ticket and worried the club may go bust,purchase on a credit card and its covered
Its really a case of does the supporter want to continue watching Southend in Div xxxx or listen to the radio and go to the odd game,catch 22 supporters willnot buy a season ticket and therefore club has no funds,supporters buy the season ticket and it helps pay players throughout the summer and you get to watch a Southend team next season in some sort of shape or form in whatever division we are in minus or even points from game one
Not sure I totally agree with Rigsby.
Yes, the football was dire and we flirted with the bottom of what is now League 2. yes, Anton Johnson was a crook, Vic Jobson was a horror, but at least they didn't asset-strip the infrastructure of club the way that Ron Martin has been allowed to do and although finances were precarious it was in an era where wages were much lower.
When RM bought the club it included Roots Hall, Boots & Laces etc, now the club has nothing as he's hived everything else off, put it in his own companies and mortgaged it, rents everything to the club at sky-high interest rates, charges outrageous 'consultancy fees' then claims he's 'invested his own money' which half the people on here actually believe. I fear this is only going to end one way.
Not sure I totally agree with Rigsby.
Yes, the football was dire and we flirted with the bottom of what is now League 2. yes, Anton Johnson was a crook, Vic Jobson was a horror, but at least they didn't asset-strip the infrastructure of club the way that Ron Martin has been allowed to do and although finances were precarious it was in an era where wages were much lower.
When RM bought the club it included Roots Hall, Boots & Laces etc, now the club has nothing as he's hived everything else off, put it in his own companies and mortgaged it, rents everything to the club at sky-high interest rates, charges outrageous 'consultancy fees' then claims he's 'invested his own money' which half the people on here actually believe. I fear this is only going to end one way.
I wrote a email to Ron, in many ways similar to what Chris wrote. My main concerns were the lack of honest news, being kept in the dark, but reality knowing what was going on etc. But the main focus being how does the club expect to sell ST and especially the early bird ST (i normally buy mine then) when the club is in such a mess and there is so much uncertainty surrounding the future of the club. The club is so reliant on ST sales leading up to the summer and i fear that few will take up the offers available until the picture is made more clear. Ron as stubborn as he is can not allow the situation to continue. He must front up to the press/fans, no lies, but give us the facts of what is going on, where we are at and what the future holds for the club we all follow (still in good numbers) and support
Some of you need see a specialist of some sort. If you really were a supporter in the early early/mid 80's and claim now is worse. then you are in complete denial. You have buried a traumatic period in your life and by refusing to talk about it it may well come back to haunt you in later years.
I had an uncle who never spoke of his war time experiences, us kids knew not to mention the war. He would get up and switch the TV off even for Sunday afternoon war films....I guess some of you must do the same for certain seasons of SUFC 1980's DVDs.....
Yes, good luck with getting some answers. You have no chance. That's why I knew he wouldn't turn up to the trust meeting. It's the way he has always played things. He's in deep negotiations with the Council. He can't publicly declare what a financial mess we're in, whilst dealing with the Council, and hoping to get some investors on board. But he has dealt the wrong hand regarding Sol. He should have put him in the picture, but asked him to keep it quiet. Instead, he's created a rift and break up between them. Sol would have been more understanding if RM said sorry Sol, I know I promised you up to 6 players, but the goal posts have moved financially, and by the EFL. Blanking Sol is the wrong thing to do and totally disrespectful. The guy has to start with 4 not good enough yet kids, and then gets slated for the 4-0 drubbing. Ron Martin will make a statement, but when it suits, probably if the EFL situation is sorted, and when he has good news to go along with the bad.
Very easy if you want to buy a season ticket and worried the club may go bust,purchase on a credit card and its covered"
Sorry but Sol made a statement by playing 4 not so good yet kids, by omitting Kelman, Goodship and Hutchinson. Really cannot condone that.
Forgive me, but this is patronising, Rigsby.Some of you need see a specialist of some sort. If you really were a supporter in the early early/mid 80's and claim now is worse. then you are in complete denial. You have buried a traumatic period in your life and by refusing to talk about it it may well come back to haunt you in later years.
I had an uncle who never spoke of his war time experiences, us kids knew not to mention the war. He would get up and switch the TV off even for Sunday afternoon war films....I guess some of you must do the same for certain seasons of SUFC 1980's DVDs.....
Maybe he is thinking what lies can I tell people nextI was driving into Southend along Vic Avenue this morning and passed Ron Martin near the staion walking towards the ground. Head down and looking deep in thought, not surprising really though is it? The walking bit was a bit odd but maybe he needed the exercise.
When you think back to that period you suddenly remember some of the differences.Forgive me, but this is patronising, Rigsby.
Normally, don't mind your comments, but I think you need to check your facts.
Which part of the 80s are you referring to, and are you talking about Anton Johnson etc or matters on the pitch?
The infamous 84/85 season saw us win 8 and draw 8 in Division Four.
That was bad, but I'm willing to bet we will perform minor miracles if we get anywhere near that total.
That 84/85 season was the nadir three decades ago.
As regards matter on the pitch, this is much worse. One way to resolve is to ask Glenn Pennyfather and Paul Clark to compare. They were part of that 84/85 malaise.
Whilst I agree with getting the facts right which is important, maybe Martini should do the same.You've defeated your own argument.
When someone buys a company, they would have had to have used their own funds or assets to finance the initial purchase.
Therefore it is their own money.
He is only charging rent to protect his own investment, so that in the event of a collapse he gets the lions share of a payout. I understand that. It's not crooked or sharp, it's perfectly sensible. In any event, he hasn't been paid it and (I believe) in the past has written huge sums off, and will do so again. He has a serious asset which is costing a fortune to maintain and which is not providing any return. It is an annual drain on the coffers, which he - no-one else - has to make up.
Please note - this is not a "pro-Ron" post, but if we are going to be critical, let's get the facts right, shall we?