https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/18200068.statement-southend-united-chairman-ron-martin/
A STATEMENT from Southend United chairman Ron Martin.
#Never Give Up is a slogan the club has used for some time.
It epitomises the attitude we all wish for from everybody at the club, particularly the players who our faithful supporters pay hard earned money to watch week in week out.
This season has been the worst period the club has experienced, probably ever, regardless of which League we have been in.
Despite this, the fans have been brilliant.
Of course, some stay away and who can blame them, they have hardly been entertained.
Poor results obviously impact on the finances….when did we last have a cup run!
Looking back, we can point to the horrendous injuries, many of which were “long term”.
We have been working behind the scenes that includes a review of the club’s Sports Science Department.
We need that department to be the best it can within the planned investment.
I believed we would recruit in this window, even though January is notoriously difficult to attract the right players.
There is a limited pool of players in this window, whereas in the summer, judging by previous years, there could be in excess of 500 players from which the club can carefully select.
As matters currently stand, it is likely that the club will not be recruiting any players this January transfer window.
Recruitment is key to a football club’s success and we will not make the same mistakes again.
If it takes time to bring in the right players, then so be it; it is better to get it right than burden the club even further.
It is worth noting that the recent business in clearing the decks has reduced the club’s cost basis, going a small way to helping the club achieve a more sustainable footing going forwards, but it has nevertheless only reduced the parent company’s investment to £1.5m this season alone.
Sol Campbell has been brave in giving our young players an opportunity.
I support the club’s academy and bringing on “one of our own” is testament to the sustained success of this aspect of the club.
However, we equally need senior leaders to show the younger players the way.
Our detailed due diligence is already underway to identify those senior players, to ensure we are building a squad for the medium term – the club will not be making rash decisions that could prove costly, as it has perhaps (in hindsight) done so previously.
In terms of the decision to sell players (such as Tom Hopper), we have declined offers for other players that are very much part of the club’s longer terms plans.
Nathan Bishop was an exception and we, as a management team, believe that we cannot, within reason, stand in the way of a 20 year old when a club with the calibre of Manchester United knocks on his door.
Talking about the “future”, many of you will be asking what happened to the planning application for the club’s new stadium.
Behind the scenes, there have been many twists and turns since application was submitted.
However, we have listened to the Council and with goodwill on both sides, we will both hopefully make some further progress shortly. Certainly, the days for remaining at Roots Hall are numbered.
None of us like where we are on the pitch, but we are at least united in the future.
Our great Club, after a disastrous period on the pitch in recent times, needs your continued support too and hopefully you will Never Give Up, either.
A STATEMENT from Southend United chairman Ron Martin.
#Never Give Up is a slogan the club has used for some time.
It epitomises the attitude we all wish for from everybody at the club, particularly the players who our faithful supporters pay hard earned money to watch week in week out.
This season has been the worst period the club has experienced, probably ever, regardless of which League we have been in.
Despite this, the fans have been brilliant.
Of course, some stay away and who can blame them, they have hardly been entertained.
Poor results obviously impact on the finances….when did we last have a cup run!
Looking back, we can point to the horrendous injuries, many of which were “long term”.
We have been working behind the scenes that includes a review of the club’s Sports Science Department.
We need that department to be the best it can within the planned investment.
I believed we would recruit in this window, even though January is notoriously difficult to attract the right players.
There is a limited pool of players in this window, whereas in the summer, judging by previous years, there could be in excess of 500 players from which the club can carefully select.
As matters currently stand, it is likely that the club will not be recruiting any players this January transfer window.
Recruitment is key to a football club’s success and we will not make the same mistakes again.
If it takes time to bring in the right players, then so be it; it is better to get it right than burden the club even further.
It is worth noting that the recent business in clearing the decks has reduced the club’s cost basis, going a small way to helping the club achieve a more sustainable footing going forwards, but it has nevertheless only reduced the parent company’s investment to £1.5m this season alone.
Sol Campbell has been brave in giving our young players an opportunity.
I support the club’s academy and bringing on “one of our own” is testament to the sustained success of this aspect of the club.
However, we equally need senior leaders to show the younger players the way.
Our detailed due diligence is already underway to identify those senior players, to ensure we are building a squad for the medium term – the club will not be making rash decisions that could prove costly, as it has perhaps (in hindsight) done so previously.
In terms of the decision to sell players (such as Tom Hopper), we have declined offers for other players that are very much part of the club’s longer terms plans.
Nathan Bishop was an exception and we, as a management team, believe that we cannot, within reason, stand in the way of a 20 year old when a club with the calibre of Manchester United knocks on his door.
Talking about the “future”, many of you will be asking what happened to the planning application for the club’s new stadium.
Behind the scenes, there have been many twists and turns since application was submitted.
However, we have listened to the Council and with goodwill on both sides, we will both hopefully make some further progress shortly. Certainly, the days for remaining at Roots Hall are numbered.
None of us like where we are on the pitch, but we are at least united in the future.
Our great Club, after a disastrous period on the pitch in recent times, needs your continued support too and hopefully you will Never Give Up, either.
