AN update from Southend United chairman Ron Martin 

We are all still “living for the weekend” … wondering when proper football will return.

This week the EFL board WILL meet with clubs to discuss a restart date and whether that might include some crowds.

A third or half full stadiums has been suggested and the club will update our supporters, via the web site, when we know more.

However if I were to hazard a guess I would think many clubs would favour mid-September with half crowds.

This of course remains subject to Covid-19 subsiding further.

Everybody will need to abide by the rules for their own, family and friends wellbeing. We want you all back at Roots Hall as soon as it is safe, so please take care.

As we learn more (hopefully over the next week) we’ll make an announcement about season tickets, both last year's and for the coming season.

What about the coming season ?

At least lockdown has given us all time to reflect.

That said, reflecting on last season makes me miserable.

I am determined to return success to our club. We have already made some changes, further changes will follow and frankly there needed to be change.

Southend United has a great culture and outstanding supporters who deserve more.

We all love to see our academy players come through and we continue to produce good talent.

Last season we witnessed many make their first team debut and we are signing another good crop.

It is important our talented young stars are supported by more experienced players and we will be strengthening the squad with that intention.

Relegation always sees players depart and this year is no different.

There is a natural wastage (contracts ending) while others feel they should be playing in a higher league.

What ever the reason as chairman of your club I ONLY want players here who will give their ALL for the club.

Your club will demand commitment from every player and every employee.

Whether playing, coaching or managing … working at the Blues needs to be a religion.

Lockdown has been beneficial in that way as it has given me some time, away from Roots Hall, to think about the more immediate future, following relegation, of our club.

The council, too, are contributing by showing great focus in progressing the contract to deliver the club's medium term future.

But what about right now?

If we restart, as some suggest, in September are we going to be ready to hit the ground running?

Southend United is a big club in League Two (so is Bolton!) and we need to maximise that advantage.

Most importantly making sure the players we are recruiting will “run through a brick wall for the manager”.

Talent is one thing … mind set and commitment is something entirely different.

Talent alone will not deliver success.

Commitment starts at the top.

Having largely cleared the decks we now have until September to return the Blues culture.

“Living for the weekend” when we can once again support our religion … only on a Saturday !

Forgive my sermon.

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