As the attempt to purchase the club continues, Southend United is destined for yet another miserable summer. Even though contracts were exchanged prior to Christmas of last year, Justin Rees’ consortium is still in the process of unshackling Ron Martin.

Despite a ten-point punishment imposed early in the season for non-payment of HMRC arrears, the Shrimpers managed to finish eighth last season. Additionally, that resulted in a transfer embargo, which Kevin Maher, the manager, had to endure for nearly half the season.

After the previous owners failed to repay the debt, American fund Oaktree took control of Inter.

 

Due to “non-compliance with National League regulations,” the embargo has been in effect once more since May 17th, leaving the management team in a precarious situation as they attempt to get ready for the upcoming season.

 

Martin and Southend City Council are stalling the deal’s completion because of the Fossetts Farm Development. Owning the land, the 70-year-old had intended for it to be the location of a new stadium. Now, he wants permission to build homes.

Despite cross-party backing, the council has recently told supporters they had agreed with the building element to the site, which has not helped. Everyone involved in the club is left to play the waiting game as the elected officials’ due diligence doesn’t seem to be leading to a resolution.

Ironically, unpaid invoices from Martin for the club’s prior defence caused a winding-up order issued by Stewarts Law to be postponed for six weeks. While they wait for the deal to close, creditors have been exceedingly patient. Rees’s consortium released a statement a week ago that alluded to their frustration with the length of time it has taken thus far.

After spending more than £3 million to keep the club operating and paying its employees, the people footing the bill are starting to lose patience, which worries supporters that the longer time passes, the more likely it is that Martin will keep the team.

It is likely that targets will soon be in the hands of other teams, thus Maher and his staff are once more operating with one hand tied behind their back until they are free to sign players.

Following a successful National League season, there has been a lot of optimism surrounding the Shrimpers’ ability to organise their affairs and make a strong case for their return to the Football League.

It is now up to Martin and the council to make sure Southend United not only endures and preserves its rich history but also has the chance to expand on the excellent work that their management team has started.

The club is scheduled to return to court at the end of June, at which point Rees must assume permanent control of the organisation. There is a genuine danger that the Shrimpers may open the upcoming season under administration, or even worse, not at all.

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