And in a statement released today, the disgruntled Trust expressed their frustration and referred to the state of affairs as “a stain on the reputation of the local community.”

“We should currently be looking forward to next season with hope and optimism,” the statement stated.

But the summer has instead begun with Southend United’s future still up in the air.

“We are aware of the anxiety, dissatisfaction, and tension that this circumstance still causes for enduring supporters.

“We don’t think the recent local election will have an impact on the work that the Southend City Council is doing.

“Recent meetings with representatives from across the local political spectrum have demonstrated the strong cross-party support for a deal that would facilitate the land transactions at Fossetts Farm and prioritise saving the football club.”

But all routine procedures, like audits, due diligence, and scrutiny, have to be permitted to finish and, ideally, come to an end quickly.

Meanwhile, we implore both politicians and supporters to refrain from grandstanding based only on party affiliation.

“Southend United serves as the city of Southend-on-Sea’s pillar and flag bearer.

“This tragic story has damaged the local community’s reputation for far too long, and we beg Councillors to put more effort into working across party lines to finalise the agreement rather than using social media to score political points.

Having said that, we’d like to welcome the newest Council members and are excited to collaborate with them. We are willing to collaborate with everyone in order to protect the city’s football team, which is a very significant local community asset.”

Two requirements need to be met before the Blues agreement can be finalised, thus it will not be finished by Wednesday.

The Southend on Sea City Council is still conducting due diligence on the housing proposals at Fossetts Farm, and CBRE, the Martins’ pension fund financier, has not yet agreed to the deal’s stipulated payment schedule for Roots Hall renovations.”

However, the Trust is optimistic that progress is being made.

“We have spoken with COSU since Wednesday’s story in the Southend Echo, and we continue to have regular dialogue,” the statement continued.

“They have affirmed that they have had fruitful discussions in the last few days with the Martins and CBRE, and that significant progress is being made on the unresolved matters.

“Given the state of disrepair that Roots Hall has been left to fall into, the payments that will flow back from the Fossetts Farm profits and into Roots Hall’s redevelopment will be gratefully received by everybody associated with Southend United FC.”

On Wednesday, though, all eyes will be on the High Court once more.

However, Stewarts Law has been urged by the Trust to consent to an additional adjournment.

“Finally, another trip to the High Court looms large next week,” the statement continued.

“We respectfully ask the petitioners to show more patience and consent to a second postponement.

“Southend United’s supporters are the ones who are most eager for the sale to close.

“Please cooperate with the potential new owners rather than working against them, acknowledging the financial commitment they have made to just maintain the football team’s operations—without even buying it yet and at significant personal financial risk to themselves.

“It is not in your best interest to have your money returned if you send Southend United into another existential crisis.

“Time is still of the essence, and it’s critical that Southend United’s uncertainty is resolved as soon as possible.

“We hope that all parties involved keep this at the forefront of their minds, and act accordingly and at pace.”

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