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'''Southend United Football Club''' is a professional [[association football]] club based in [[Southend-on-Sea]], [[Essex]], England, which competes in the [[National League (English football)|National League]], the fifth [[English football league system|level of English football]]. The team are known as "The Shrimpers", a reference to the area's maritime industry that is included as one of the quarters on the club badge. The club has a long-standing rivalry with nearby [[Colchester United F.C.|Colchester United]], with which it contests the [[Essex derby]]. Southend United is based at [[Roots Hall Stadium]] in [[Prittlewell]].
Founded on 19 May 1906 in the Blue Boar pub, Southend won the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] Second Division in both of its two initial seasons and was admitted into the [[English Football League|Football League]] in 1920. It spent the next 44 years in the third tier of English football, before dropping into the [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] in 1966. They spent the next 24 years moving between the third and fourth tiers, winning promotions in 1971–72, 1977–78, 1980–81 (as champions), 1986–87 and 1989–90. They were promoted into the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] for the first time at the end of the 1990–91 season. After six seasons in the second tier they suffered a double relegation in 1997 and 1998. Under manager [[Steve Tilson]], Southend again secured a double promotion in 2004–05 and 2005–06 to win a place in the [[EFL Championship|Championship]] as [[EFL League One|League One]] champions. However, they only lasted one season in the second tier and then, after two top half League One finishes, were relegated back to League Two in 2010. They secured promotion as play-off winners in 2015, but suffered another double relegation in 2020 and 2021, amid deep financial problems that several times pushed the club to the brink of liquidation, to drop—after 101 years in the Football League—into the [[National League (English football)|National League]], where they remain.
==History==
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{{recentism|section|date=October 2023}}
===1906–1920:
Southend United F.C. was founded on 19 May 1906 in the Blue Boar Hotel<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.southendtimeline.com/1906.htm |title=1906 – Southend Timeline |work=southendtimeline.com |access-date=10 May 2014 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120074912/https://www.southendtimeline.com/1906.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="BBC-15Feb2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Fans fear future without football club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-64635685 |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=BBC News |date=15 February 2023}}</ref> after landlord Oliver Trigg invited a group of footballers and businessmen to discuss setting up a new professional club.<ref name="England-26Apr2023">{{cite news |last1=England |first1=Sophie |title=Historic pub where Southend United was founded to be sold |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/23479270.historic-pub-southend-united-founded-sold/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=Echo |date=26 April 2023}}</ref>{{efn|When the club was incorporated on 1 August 1906, Trigg was among the club's initial five directors, listed as proprietor of the Blue Boar Hotel; others were a licensed victualler (Frederick England, of the Nelson Hotel in Prittlewell), a London stock-broker (Charles Albert Stein), an agent (George Hutton Hogsflesh), and a merchant and cigar importer (Tom Stuart Tidy).<ref name="CoHo-Incorp">{{cite web |title=Southend United Football Club - Incorporation |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00089767/filing-history/Njc2Nzc2NDVhZGlxemtjeA/document?format=pdf&download=0 |website=Companies House |access-date=30 August 2023}}</ref>}} The new Southend United would displace the more prominent Southend Athletic in the town, who later disbanded.<ref name="HistoryMiles">{{cite web|url=https://www.southendunited.co.uk/club/history |title=History and Honours |author=Peter Miles |publisher=Southend United F.C. |access-date=5 October 2023}}</ref> A prospectus for shares in the club issued in August 1906 noted the club had been elected to complete in the Second Division of the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] and in the South Eastern League, and a seven-year lease had been agreed to play at Roots Hall Field in [[Prittlewell]].<ref name="CoHoProspectus">{{cite web |title=Southend United F.C.: Increase in nominal capital: Prospectus (August 1906) |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00089767/filing-history/NTk1Mjk5ODNhZGlxemtjeA/document?format=pdf&download=0 |website=Companies House |access-date=30 August 2023}}</ref>
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In their first season under Jack's management, Southend won the Southern League Second Division title for [[1906–07 Southern Football League|1906–07]], then repeated the feat the [[1907–08 Southern Football League|following season]], gaining election to the Southern League First Division in 1908.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> The club first entered the [[FA Cup]] in [[1907–08 FA Cup|1907–08]], where they met East Ham.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> When Jack left Southend in 1910, he was succeeded as player-manager by Molyneux. Southend were relegated back to the Second Division after the [[1910–11 Southern Football League|1910–11 season]], but returned to the First Division two seasons later as runners-up.<ref name="FCHD">{{cite web|url=https://fchd.info/SOUTHENU.HTM |title=Southend United |publisher=Football Club History Database |access-date=5 October 2023}}</ref> However, [[World War I]] disrupted the club's progress.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> To aid the country's war effort, parts of the club's ground Roots Hall were dismantled and requisitioned to a nearby timber yard where buildings had been destroyed by bombs.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> After the war, Roots Hall was unusable so Southend moved to '[[Kursaal (amusement park)|The Kursaal]]'.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/>
===1920s–1980s:
[[File:Southend United FC League Performance.svg|thumb|300px|Chart of table positions of Southend in the English football league system]]
The club remained in the Southern League until the first post-[[World War I]] season of [[1919–20 Southern Football League|1919–20]]. The club then joined the Football League's new [[Football League Third Division|Third Division]] and finished 17th in their first season.<ref name="FCHD"/> In 1921, the Third Division was regionalised with Southend United joining the [[Football League Third Division South|Third Division South]].<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> In their second Football League season, Southend had to apply for re-election.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> However, from 1922, under new manager [[Ted Birnie]], the club began to stabilise and began to challenge for promotion to the Second Division, finishing third in 1932.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> After a successful twelve years, Birnie left to be replaced in May 1934 by [[David Jack]], son of the club's first manager,<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> and the Shrimpers moved from the Kursaal to the [[Southend Stadium]].<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> A highlight of Jack's six-year tenure saw Southend draw 4–4 in the [[1935–36 FA Cup|FA Cup]] third round at [[White Hart Lane]] against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in January 1936 before losing the replay.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> Following the start of [[World War II]], the [[1939–40 in English football|1939–40]] season was abandoned.<ref name="HistoryMiles"/> In the [[1948–49 Football League|1948–49]] season, the Shrimpers narrowly avoided a re-election vote.<ref name="FCHD"/> Southend came close to promotion when they finished third in 1950 (the club's joint highest league position until 1991).<ref name=PeterMason>{{cite book|last=Mason|first=Peter|title=Southend United: the official history of 'The Blues'|year=1994|isbn=1-874427-20-8}}</ref> Southend remained in the Third Division South until the re-structuring of the Football League in 1958.<ref name="FCHD"/>
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Alvin Martin left in April 1999, with Southend fifth from bottom in [[the Football League]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Southend United's Managers: Alvin Martin|url=http://www.shrimper.org.uk/managers/alvinmartin.shtml|work=Blue Anorak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010305222220/http://www.shrimper.org.uk/managers/alvinmartin.shtml|archive-date=5 March 2001}}</ref> [[Alan Little (footballer)|Alan Little]] was manager for a brief spell, helping them to avoid the drop into the [[Football Conference]] and also helped them survive a serious financial crisis by slashing the wage bill and rebuilding a much cheaper side. The club's first flirtation with the High Court came in July 2000, when a debt to the Inland Revenue was paid off shortly before a scheduled winding-up petition hearing.<ref name=Derelictionp6/> Little's dismissal in September 2000 came as a surprise as, despite a poor start to the season, it followed a five-game unbeaten run that saw 'the Shrimpers' rise to 10th in the Third Division. He was replaced by [[David Webb (footballer)|David Webb]] on 2 October 2000,{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} soon after Ron Martin had taken over as chairman.<ref name="Conn-22Sep2000"/> The club then turned to [[Rob Newman (footballer)|Rob Newman]], [[Steve Wignall]] and, in late 2003, former Southend United midfielder [[Steve Tilson]].
===2004–2010:
Under Tilson, Southend reached their first national cup final, meeting [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] in the 2004 [[final (competition)|final]] of the [[Football League Trophy]] at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in [[Cardiff]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Lloyd|first=Grahame|title=Blackpool's Millennium bug|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/22/match.sport10|work=The Guardian|access-date=22 November 2011|date=22 March 2004}}</ref> Over 20,000 Southend fans travelled,<ref>{{cite web|title=Cardiff is Your Lasting Memory|url=http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~529078,00.html|publisher=Southend United FC|access-date=22 November 2011|date=17 November 2004}}</ref> but the team did not rise to the occasion and Blackpool won 2–0. Tilson then led Southend to promotion to League 1 in 2005, while making a second successive appearance in the Football League Trophy final, which the Shrimpers lost 2–0 to [[Wrexham A.F.C.|Wrexham]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Southend 0–2 Wrexham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4423417.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=22 November 2011|date=10 April 2005}}</ref> but the third appearance at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in the [[Football League Two|League Two]] play-off final against [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]] brought success<ref>{{cite web|title=Lincoln City 0–2 Southend United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/4573787.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=22 November 2011|date=28 May 2005}}</ref> giving the club its first promotion via the [[play-off]] system and their first major silverware since 1981.
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=== 2010–2019 ===
==== 2009–10
During the 2009–10 season, Southend faced two winding-up orders from [[HM Revenue and Customs]] over unpaid tax bills.<ref name=guardian20091027>{{cite web|title=Southend avoid winding up order but now face administration|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/oct/27/southend-hmrc-administration-hearing|work=The Guardian|access-date=22 November 2011|date=27 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Southend winding-up hearing adjourned for 28 days|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/8507587.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=22 November 2011|date=10 February 2010}}</ref> In February 2010 Southend players were not paid, the [[Professional Footballers Association]] had to pay the players, and the club were placed under a [[Transfer (association football)#Transfer bans|transfer embargo]] until they paid the money back.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Chris|title=Ron Martin explains PFA loan to cover wages at Southend United|url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/5051012.Martin_explains_PFA_loan_to_cover_wages/|publisher=Echo|access-date=22 November 2011|date=10 March 2010}}</ref> In March 2010 Southend were given a 35-day extension to pay the unpaid bill or face administration,<ref>{{cite web|title=Southend United get High Court extension to repay debts|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/8559824.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=22 November 2011|date=10 March 2010}}</ref> and further seven day extension in April 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Southend United given a further week to pay off £400,000 tax bill|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/apr/14/southend-tax-bill-hmrc|work=The Guardian|access-date=22 November 2011|date=14 April 2010}}</ref> On 20 April 2010 the bill was paid,<ref>{{cite web|title=Shrimpers settle tax debt|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11716_6104961,00.html|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=22 November 2011|date=20 April 2010}}</ref> and in August 2010 all actions against Southend United were dropped and an agreement was reached with HMRC.<ref>{{cite web|title=Southend United stave off administration|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/8878585.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=22 November 2011|date=2 August 2010}}</ref>
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On 22 October 2019, [[Sol Campbell]] was appointed manager of Southend.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50035674 |title=Sol Campbell: Southend United name ex-England defender as new manager |publisher=BBC News |date=22 October 2019 |access-date=22 October 2019}}</ref> Campbell took charge for his first game — a 3–1 home defeat to [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]] — on 25 October.<ref>{{cite web |title=Southend United 1-3 Ispwich Town: Sol Campbell loses first game in charge |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50106064 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 October 2019 |access-date=27 October 2019}}</ref>
===2020–2024:
====Financial difficulties and double relegation====
Financial difficulties resulted in non-payment of players' and other employees' wages in December 2019, after which players consulted with the PFA.<ref name="BBC-09Jan2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United players to meet with PFA over unpaid wages |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51053076 |access-date=9 January 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=9 January 2020}}</ref> Club chairman Ron Martin paid £140,000 to pay wages,<ref name="BBC-10Jan2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Chairman Ron Martin personally meets £140k wages shortfall |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51070380 |access-date=13 January 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=10 January 2020}}</ref> and a winding-up petition was dismissed after debts were cleared.<ref name="BBC-22Jan2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United: HMRC winding-up petition dismissed in insolvency court |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51207894 |access-date=24 February 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=22 January 2020}}</ref> However, financial constraints and an EFL transfer embargo prevented the club signing any new players.<ref name="BBC-12Feb2020">{{cite news |title=Sol Campbell: Southend United boss 'disappointed' at lack of January signings |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51474900 |access-date=23 February 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=12 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="BBC-02Mar2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Chairman Ron Martin confirms club under transfer embargo |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51706877 |access-date=5 March 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=2 March 2020}}</ref> February 2020 wages were not paid on time,<ref name="BBC-03Mar2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United: PFA in touch with club over unpaid wages |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51718893 |access-date=5 March 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=3 March 2020}}</ref> and Southend was charged with misconduct and later received a suspended three-point penalty and £7,500 fine.<ref name="BBC-02Jun2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United given suspended points deduction for late payment of wages |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52898117 |access-date=2 June 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=2 June 2020}}</ref> On 11 March, a further HMRC winding-up petition was adjourned - first to 29 April<ref name="BBC-11Mar2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Winding-up petition adjourned until 29 April |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51834346 |access-date=11 March 2020 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=11 March 2020}}</ref> then three more times,<ref name="BBC-29Apr2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Winding-up petition adjourned until 22 July |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52475002 |access-date=29 April 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=29 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="BBC-22Jul2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United winding-up petition adjourned for third time until 16 September |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53501901 |access-date=23 July 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 July 2020}}</ref> eventually to 28 October 2020.<ref name="BBC-16Sep2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United winding-up petition adjourned for fourth time until 28 October |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54177652 |access-date=25 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2020}}</ref>
In April 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]], Southend put "several staff and some players" on [[furlough]] under the [[Government of the United Kingdom's financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic#Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme|UK Government's emergency job retention scheme]] - a move criticised by the PFA who said the club had "consistently" let players down over wages.<ref name="BBC-22Apr2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United: PFA 'extremely disappointed' by handling of furloughing players |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52383265 |access-date=22 April 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2020}}</ref> On 9 June, EFL League One and Two clubs agreed to end the 2019–20 season; Southend were relegated to League Two.<ref name="BBC-09Jun2020">{{cite news |title=League One & League Two clubs vote to end seasons early |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52705124 |access-date=9 June 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 June 2020}}</ref> The following day, the club put the whole playing squad on furlough,<ref name="Phillips-10Jun2020">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United put entire squad on furlough |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/18509362.southend-united-put-entire-squad-furlough/ |access-date=15 June 2020 |work=Echo |date=10 June 2020}}</ref> but players refused to accept the move.<ref name="Phillips-13Jun2020">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United squad refuse to be placed on furlough |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/18516047.southend-united-squad-refuse-placed-furlough/ |access-date=15 June 2020 |work=Echo |date=13 June 2020}}</ref> On 30 June 2020, manager Campbell
On 13 August 2020, Southend United appointed [[Mark Molesley]] as manager on a three-year contract.<ref name="BBC-13Aug2020">{{cite news |title=Mark Molesley: Southend United name Weymouth boss as new manager |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53769088 |access-date=25 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 August 2020}}</ref> In October 2020, after the club settled tax debts of £493,931 with HMRC, a winding-up petition was dismissed by the [[High Court of Justice|High Court]].<ref name="BBC-28Oct2020">{{cite news |title=Southend United pay up £493,991 tax bill as winding-up petition dismissed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54718151 |access-date=29 October 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2020}}</ref> On 9 April 2021, Molesley was sacked having only won eight games out of 45.<ref>{{cite web|title=CLUB STATEMENT: MARK MOLESLEY|url=https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2021/april/club-statement-mark-molesley/|publisher=Southend United|access-date=9 April 2021|date=9 April 2021}}</ref> Phil Brown returned as manager<ref name="Echo-08Apr2021">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Phil Brown set to make return to Southend United as Shrimpers battle to avoid relegation |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/19220136.phil-brown-set-make-return-southend-united-shrimpers-battle-avoid-relegation/ |access-date=9 April 2021 |work=Echo |date=8 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="BBC-09Apr2021">{{cite news |title=Mark Molesley: Southend United sack manager and bring in Phil Brown |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56687470 |access-date=9 April 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 April 2021}}</ref> but could not rescue the situation; Southend suffered a second successive relegation
====Further financial difficulties====
On 30 September 2022, the club was placed under a transfer embargo after a missed HMRC payment.<ref name="Phillips-30Sep2022">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United placed under transfer embargo |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/22997704.southend-united-placed-transfer-embargo/ |access-date=3 October 2022 |work=Echo |date=30 September 2022}}</ref> In October 2022, HMRC issued a winding-up petition. A High Court hearing on 9 November was adjourned to 18 January 2023;<ref name="BBC-09Nov2022">{{cite news |title=Southend United: National League side have winding-up petition adjourned |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63570525 |access-date=10 November 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 November 2022}}</ref> the transfer embargo remained in place. After members of staff were late receiving their October 2022 salaries,<ref name="Phillips-10Nov2022">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United's Kevin Maher knows off-field issues can't be ignored |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23116507.southend-uniteds-kevin-maher-knows-off-field-issues-cant-ignored/ |access-date=11 November 2022 |work=Echo |date=10 November 2022}}</ref> the Shrimpers Trust and shirt sponsor PG Site Services each loaned the club £40,000.<ref name="BBC-15Nov2022">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Shrimpers Trust provides loan to pay non-playing staff |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63639686 |access-date=18 November 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=15 November 2022}}</ref> November and some December 2022 wages for players and non-playing staff were also paid late.<ref name="BBC-01Dec2022">{{cite news |title=Southend United: National League side yet to pay non-playing staff after players paid late |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63824893 |access-date=3 December 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 December 2022}}</ref><ref name="BBC-01Jan2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United facing annual funding gap of 'about £2m', says CEO |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64139910 |access-date=1 January 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 January 2023}}</ref><ref name="Phillips-29Dec2022">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United staff still waiting for November's wages |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23218665.southend-united-staff-still-waiting-novembers-wages/ |access-date=13 January 2023 |work=Echo |date=29 December 2022}}</ref>
On 18 January 2023, the HMRC winding-up hearing was adjourned again, to 1 March 2023.<ref name="BBC-18Jan2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Winding-up petition hearing adjourned again until March |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64316801 |access-date=18 January 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 January 2023}}</ref> Martin was seeking a £5M loan to pay debts including £1.4M in unpaid tax owed to HMRC.<ref name="BBC-11Feb2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: MP Anna Firth 'hopeful' football club will survive |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-64601255 |access-date=14 February 2023 |work=BBC News |date=11 February 2023}}</ref> With players and other staff unpaid for January, anxious fans started planning a '[[Phoenix club (sports)|phoenix club]]'<ref name="BBC-01Feb2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United fans begin 'phoenix club' planning in case Shrimpers go out of business |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64482329 |access-date=6 February 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2023}}</ref><ref name="King-04Feb2023">{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Ian |title=Southend United's current crisis could land them a place on football's financial graveyard |url=https://www.football365.com/news/opinion-southend-united-crisis-financial-graveyard-martin |access-date=8 February 2023 |work=Football365 |date=4 February 2023}}</ref> and there were unsuccessful attempts to engage with Martin over a possible sale of the club.<ref name="Phillips-16Feb2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Ex Southend United star reveals he was part of bid to buy club |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23327745.ex-southend-united-star-reveals-part-bid-buy-club/ |access-date=28 February 2023 |work=Echo |date=16 February 2023}}</ref>
====Club put up for sale====
Meanwhile, on 17 March 2023, the club was put up for sale.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2023/march/club-statement/|title=Southend United launch process to explore the sale of the Football Club or new Investment Partners|website=www.southendunited.co.uk|date=17 March 2023|accessdate=17 March 2023}}</ref><ref name="BBC-17Mar2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Chairman Ron Martin reveals plans to sell the club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64995097 |access-date=18 March 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 March 2023}}</ref> Despite the February funds injection, its financial difficulties continued,<ref name="Phillips-06Apr2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United address wages issue and urge fans to buy season cards |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23439768.southend-united-address-wages-issue-urge-fans-buy-season-cards/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=Echo |date=6 April 2023}}</ref><ref name="F365-07May2023">{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Ian |title=Can Southend United even survive this summer? The signs aren't good |url=https://www.football365.com/news/opinion-can-southend-united-even-survive-this-summer-the-signs-arent-good |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=Football365 |date=7 May 2023}}</ref> and on 4 May 2023 the club was served another HMRC winding-up petition—their 18th<ref name="MacInnes-16May2023">{{cite news |last1=MacInnes |first1=Paul |title=As Southend face 18th winding-up petition, is there hope for the future? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/may/16/hearts-and-minds-campaign-looking-to-usher-new-era-to-southend-united |access-date=18 May 2023 |work=Guardian |date=16 May 2023}}</ref>—due to be heard in the High Court on 17 May.<ref name="BBC-04May2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: HMRC serve National League club with another winding-up petition |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65479942 |access-date=4 May 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 May 2023}}</ref> Three companies, including shirt sponsor PG Site Services and Engie Power, were also involved in the petition regarding a £275,000 debt,<ref name="Phillips-17May2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United's winding up petition adjourned for 56 days |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23528568.southend-uniteds-winding-petition-adjourned-56-days/ |access-date=19 May 2023 |work=Echo |date=17 May 2023}}</ref> but the hearing was adjourned to 12 July 2023, giving Martin more time to sell the club.<ref name="BBC-17May2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Winding-up petition against National League club adjourned until 12 July |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65620136 |access-date=18 May 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2023}}</ref><ref name="Farmer-18May2023">{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Brian |title=Southend United given time to clear £275,000 tax debt |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/southend-united-customs-southend-hmrc-national-league-b2340625.html |access-date=23 May 2023 |work=Independent |date=18 May 2023}}</ref>
In July 2023, after repeated late payment of club staff wages,<ref name="BBC-05Jun2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: 'Back of house' staff still unpaid after judge unfreezes bank account |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65812029 |access-date=5 June 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=5 June 2023}}</ref><ref name="Phillips-02Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Players and staff wait for wages at Southend United |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23628279.players-staff-wait-wages-southend-united/ |access-date=4 July 2023 |work=Echo |date=2 July 2023}}</ref> players refused to resume pre-season training until they were paid.<ref name="Phillips-03Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United players halt pre-season training |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23631040.southend-united-players-halt-pre-season-training/ |access-date=4 July 2023 |work=Echo |date=3 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="Phillips-06Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United squad yet to resume pre-season training |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23638060.southend-united-squad-yet-resume-pre-season-training/ |access-date=7 July 2023 |work=Echo |date=6 July 2023}}</ref> Backing the players' decision to suspend training, the Shrimpers Trust offered to support unpaid club staff.<ref name="Phillips-05Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Shrimpers Trust offer to support unpaid Southend United staff |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23636404.shrimpers-trust-offer-support-unpaid-southend-united-staff/ |access-date=5 July 2023 |work=Echo |date=5 July 2023}}</ref> While players were eventually paid, manager Maher and other backroom staff remained unpaid three days before the winding-up hearing, while club sale discussions were reportedly being held up by the stadium side of the transaction.<ref name="Phillips-09Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United players paid but club still in crisis |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23643671.southend-united-players-paid-club-still-crisis/ |access-date=9 July 2023 |work=Echo |date=9 July 2023}}</ref>
On 12 July 2023, the winding-up hearing was adjourned for a second time, to 23 August 2023, to allow further time for a sale to be concluded, amid doubts about the club's ability to meet National League requirements.<ref name="BBC-23Jul2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: High Court gives club another 42 days to complete sale |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66173807 |access-date=12 July 2023 |work=BBC News |date=12 July 2023}}</ref
On 21 July 2023, the club paid £300,000 in football-related debts to remain in the National League.<ref name="BBC-21Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Katy |last2=Harrison |first2=Sian |title=Southend United: Court allows club to pay £300k to stay in league |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-66271396 |access-date=22 July 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="Storey-22Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Storey |first1=Daniel |title=Southend United need one last great escape to avoid an all but certain death |url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/southend-united-what-look-like-football-club-dies-2488925 |access-date=22 July 2023 |work=i News |date=22 July 2023}}</ref> Club staff were paid wages dating back up to three months on 26 July
==== Points deduction ====
On 23 August 2023, the winding-up hearing was adjourned for a third and final time, to 4 October 2023, with Judge Sebastian Prentis telling Martin if he was in charge of any other business it would have been wound up.<ref name="Phillips-23Aug2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |date=23 August 2023 |title=Southend United given final adjournment to pay off tax bill |work=Echo |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23741951.southend-united-given-final-adjournment-pay-off-tax-bill/ |access-date=23 August 2023}}</ref> Martin told the court he was "confident"<ref name="BBCEssexTweet">{{cite web |title=BBC Radio Essex |url=https://twitter.com/BBCEssexSport/status/1694306548929994860 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=25 August 2023}}</ref><ref name="PhillipsTweet">{{cite web |title=Chris Phillips |url=https://twitter.com/CJPhillips1982/status/1694304148378767554 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=25 August 2023}}</ref> a sale to an Australian buyer—later named as Justin Rees<ref name="Phillips-23Aug2023b">{{cite news |last1=Chris |first1=Phillips |title=Australian leading consortium to buy Southend United |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23742571.australian-leading-consortium-buy-southend-united/ |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 September 2023}}</ref>—should be finalised by the end of September. The judge said the club would be wound up if the deadline was missed.<ref name="BBC-23Aug2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United deducted 10 points following 'final' 42-day deadline to find buyer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66591344 |access-date=23 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2023}}</ref><ref name="Farmer-23Aug2023">{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Brian |title=Judge gives Southend United more time to clear tax debt but issues warning |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/southend-united-london-national-league-customs-hm-revenue-b2397991.html |access-date=23 August 2023 |work=Independent |date=23 August 2023}}</ref> As part of the HMRC debt remained outstanding,<ref name="Slater-23Aug2023">{{cite news |last1=Slater |first1=Matt |date=23 August 2023 |title=Southend set for 10-point deduction as debt payment deadline extended until October |url=https://theathletic.com/4799191/2023/08/23/southend-points-deduction/ |access-date=23 August 2023 |work=The Athletic}}</ref> the club were deducted 10 points by the National League.<ref name="NLstatement">{{cite web |date=23 August 2023 |title=National League Statement – Southend United |url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/national-league-statement-southend-united-77656 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=National League}}</ref><ref name="BBC-26Sep 2023">{{cite news |date=26 September 2023 |title=Southend United lose appeal against deduction of 10 points |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66923011 |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref>
On 20 September 2023, the Justin Rees consortium said that two bids to Ron Martin had been rejected. Few details of the latest bid were released, but—due to "the non-viability of a new stadium at Fossetts Farm"—it involved retaining and upgrading Roots Hall as the club's stadium, taking ownership of the stadium and the club's training ground, and Martin contributing funds towards Roots Hall's redevelopment.<ref name="Rees-20Sep2023">{{cite news |title=Justin Rees provides update on his bid to buy Southend United |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23801596.justin-rees-provides-update-bid-buy-southend-united/ |access-date=20 September 2023 |work=Echo |date=20 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="BBC-20Sep2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Prospective buyers fear for administration after two bids knocked back |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66868571 |access-date=20 September 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=20 September 2023}}</ref> Meanwhile, fans staged an anti-Martin protest march to Roots Hall ahead of the club's league tie against [[AFC Fylde]] on 23 September 2023.<ref name="Phillips-23Sep2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Hundreds of Southend United fans protest against Ron Martin |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23809293.hundreds-southend-united-fans-protest-ron-martin/ |access-date=25 September 2023 |work=Echo |date=23 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="Shepard-25Sep2023">{{cite news |last1=Shepard |first1=Kit |title=Southend fans refusing to let club die |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/postcards-from-the-pyramid-fans-fight-for-southend-s-future-pjt6kxk0j |access-date=25 September 2023 |work=Times |date=25 September 2023}}</ref>
====Sale to Justin Rees consortium====
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On 3 October 2023, the sale of the club to the Justin Rees consortium was agreed, but formal completion was repeatedly delayed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2023/october/03/club-statement--sale-of-the-club/|title=CLUB STATEMENT: SALE OF THE CLUB|website=www.southendunited.co.uk|date=3 October 2023|accessdate=3 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="BBC-21Oct2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Sale of National League side delayed by 'legal formalities' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67168694 |access-date=21 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="BBC-15Nov2023">{{cite news |title=Southend Utd takeover deal 'close', consortium confirms |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-67420502 |access-date=16 November 2023 |work=BBC News |date=15 November 2023}}</ref> The club was to remain at Roots Hall, with the 500 homes once planned for the site now transferred to Fossetts Farm.<ref name="Sexton-04Oct2023">{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Christine |title=Southend United agreement 'to see club stay at Roots Hall' |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/23831800.southend-united-agreement-to-see-club-stay-roots-hall/ |access-date=4 October 2023 |work=Echo |date=4 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="BBC-11Nov2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United sale a step closer after 500 homes plan agreed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-67384654 |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=BBC News |date=11 November 2023}}</ref> The deal was announced the day before the High Court hearing of HMRC's winding-up petition, amid reports that the HMRC debt had now been paid,<ref name="BBC-03Oct2023a">{{cite news |title=Southend United: National League club agree takeover by Australian-led consortium |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66992758 |access-date=4 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 October 2023}}</ref> and the winding-up petition was duly dismissed.<ref name="Phillips-04Oct2023">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Southend United's winding up order dismissed at High Court |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23832718.southend-uniteds-winding-order-dismissed-high-court/ |access-date=4 October 2023 |work=Echo |date=4 October 2023}}</ref> On 5 December, the consortium said due diligence had raised issues which would take time to resolve.<ref name="Echo-05Dec2023">{{cite news |title=Consortium provide update on their bid to buy Southend United |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23970467.consortium-provide-update-bid-buy-southend-united/ |access-date=5 December 2023 |work=Echo |date=5 December 2023}}</ref> On 23 December 2023, Martin and the Rees consortium exchanged contracts for the sale of the club; the deal remained conditional upon Southend Council's approval of property transactions.<ref name="BBC-23Dec2023">{{cite news |last1=Grunill |first1=Paul |title=Southend United: Justin Rees consortium poised to complete takeover |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67332344 |access-date=28 December 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=23 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="BBC-26Jan2024">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Consortium hope to complete takeover next month |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68098336 |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 8 March 2024, Southend CEO Tom Lawrence said final completion of the takeover was a couple of months away, being dependent upon a council review of the Fossets Farm plans.<ref name="BBC-08Mar2024">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Waiting continues for formal approval of takeover |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68470602 |access-date=11 March 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=8 March 2024}}</ref> As a result, one impatient creditor, Stewarts Law, petitioned for the club to be wound up (the club's 19th such petition);<ref name="Phillips-02Apr2024">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Consortium reveal reasons for delay in Southend United deal |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/24226837.consortium-reveal-reasons-delay-southend-united-deal/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=Echo |date=2 April 2024}}</ref><ref name="Adams-06Apr2024">{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Lewis |title=Football club to be sold by mid-May, chairman says |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjj5ejpq358o |access-date=30 April 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2024}}</ref> the High Court hearing was subsequently adjourned.<ref name="Echo-17Apr2024">{{cite news |title=Winding-up petition against Southend United adjourned for four weeks |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/24259542.winding-up-petition-southend-united-adjourned-four-weeks/ |access-date=30 April 2024 |work=Echo |date=17 April 2024}}</ref> On 6 April, Ron Martin said he expected to have sold the club by mid-May 2024.<ref name="Adams-06Apr2024" /> This proved to be optimistic.
At the club's winding-up petition hearing on 15 May, the consortium and Martin sought a six-week adjournment,<ref name="Phillips-08May2024">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |date=8 May 2024 |title=Southend United deal will not complete before winding up hearing |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/24307238.southend-united-deal-will-not-complete-winding-hearing/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=Echo}}</ref> supported by Stewarts Law and two other creditors.<ref name="BBC-13May2024">{{cite news |date=13 May 2024 |title=Southend winding-up case to be adjourned again |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0dee13mx81o |access-date=13 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> The club was given six weeks to settle with creditors or face liquidation.<ref name="BBC-15May2024">{{cite news |last1=Aloia |first1=Andrew |title=Southend winding-up petition adjournment confirmed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cx9w97lwrv2o |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2024}}</ref> As a consequence of the unresolved winding-up order, Southend was placed under a fresh transfer embargo on 17 May 2024.<ref name="BBC-17May2024">{{cite news |title=Southend placed under new transfer embargo |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/crgyl2zwy84o |access-date=17 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2024}}</ref>
Line 151 ⟶ 149:
On 7 June 2024, the consortium ("Custodians of Southend United", COSU) said the club could go out of business as a property element of the contract might not be signed before the 26 June winding-up hearing. Southend Council's new leader Daniel Cowan blamed the previous administration for assurances that "fell outside of normal practice and were simply not achievable".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aloia |first1=Andrew |title=Southend takeover and future in doubt after delays |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cz5510lj88jo |access-date=7 June 2024 |work=BBC News |date=7 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Day-Parker |first1=Jessica |title=Southend United: council leader update on Fossetts Farm |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24373194.southend-united-council-leader-update-fossetts-farm/ |access-date=10 June 2024 |work=Echo |date=7 June 2024}}</ref> On 14 June 2024, Cowan confirmed the proposed Fossetts Farm development had failed the council's due diligence process. The developer (Citizen Housing) and the Martins were given until 21 June 2024 to respond to new council proposals,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fullbrook |first1=Danny |title=Southend United development fails due diligence |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqeep99ed6no |access-date=15 June 2024 |work=BBC News |date=15 June 2024}}</ref> with future council involvement dependent on COSU acquiring the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Southend fans told protests would be 'unhelpful' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c2qqy9ex0gpo |access-date=17 June 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Chris |title=Update issued on future of Southend United after 'crunch talks' |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/24404418.update-issued-future-southend-united-crunch-talks/ |access-date=22 June 2024 |work=Echo |date=21 June 2024}}</ref> Adding to the pressure, on 24 June 2024, the National League ordered Southend United to provide a £1m [[Bond (finance)|bond]] due to ongoing financial uncertainty. The bond would remain in place until the COSU takeover was successfully concluded.<ref>{{cite news |title=Southend told to post £1m bond by National League |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5111z7gykwo |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=24 June 2024}}</ref> COSU criticised the move, saying the National League was "only making the situation more difficult to resolve".<ref>{{cite news |title=Prospective Southend buyers critical of National League demands |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp008l740z3o |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 June 2024}}</ref>
The day before the winding-up hearing, Stewarts Law reached a settlement with Southend United.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Phllips |first1=Chris |title=Stewarts Law agree settlement with Southend United |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/24409954.stewarts-law-agree-settlement-southend-united/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Echo |date=25 June 2024}}</ref> On 26 June 2024, a payment plan was agreed with a second creditor (PG Site Services, owed £350,000) and the winding-up petition was dismissed in the High Court.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-26 |title=Live from the High Court: Southend United's winding up petition dismissed |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/24412125.southend-uniteds-winding-petition-dismissed/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Echo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Larsen-Wright |first1=Tom |title=Southend United winding up petition dismissed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy0082p4r9no |access-date=26 June 2024 |work=BBC News |date=26 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Aarons |first1=Ed |title=
Finally, on 19 July 2024, the COSU consortium completed its takeover of Southend United.<ref name="BBC-19Jul2024">{{cite news |title=Rees consortium completes Southend takeover |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cedxldzgyw7o |access-date=19 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=19 July 2024}}</ref> Justin Rees
==Club identity==
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|-
| 2024–2025
| [[c2c]]<ref>{{cite web | last=Augustyniak | first=Susan | title=Rail operator c2c announced as Southend United's new shirt sponsor | website=c2c | date=2024-07-25 | url=https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/rail-operator-c2c-announced-as-southend-uniteds-new-shirt-sponsor/ | publisher=[[c2c]] |access-date=2024-07-25}}</ref>
|}
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In September 2022, after the club had been unable to get a hotel operator on board, plans to build a hotel at the proposed new stadium were dropped in favour of 42 additional homes, taking the total to 224 homes. A revised planning application also outlined plans to lower the stadium capacity to 16,226 seats.<ref name="Sexton-22Sep2022">{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Chris |title=Southend United new stadium's hotel plans ditched |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/southend/22481110.southend-united-new-stadiums-hotel-plans-ditched/ |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=Echo |date=22 September 2022}}</ref> In February 2023, applications for the additional homes and smaller stadium were both still to be decided by Southend Council as information had not been provided by the club.<ref name="BBC-20Feb2023">{{cite news |title=Southend United: Council says lack of information delaying new stadium plans |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-64703464 |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=BBC News |date=20 February 2023}}</ref> Scaled-back plans for the ground were eventually submitted to the council in late March 2023.<ref name="England-24Mar2023">{{cite news |last1=England |first1=Sophie |title=Southend United stadium plans submitted to council |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/23407972.southend-united-stadium-plans-submitted-council/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Echo |date=24 March 2023}}</ref>
==Rivalries==
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===Current squad===
{{updated|
{{fs start}}
{{fs player|no=2|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Gus Scott-Morriss]]|other=}}
{{fs player|no=3|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Nathan Ralph]]|other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]]}}
{{Fs player|no=5|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Adam Crowther|other=}}
{{fs player|no=6|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Ollie Kensdale]]|other=}}
Line 310 ⟶ 309:
{{fs player|no=9|nat=SCO|pos=FW|name=[[Harry Cardwell]]|other=}}
{{fs player|no=10|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Danny Waldron|other=}}
{{fs player|no=11|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Josh Walker
▲{{fs player|no=14|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Jack Wood|other=}}
{{fs mid}}
{{fs player|no=14|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Jack Wood|other=}}
{{fs player|no=15|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Joe Gubbins]]}}
{{fs player|no=16|nat=ENG|pos=
{{fs player|no=17|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Cav Miley]]}}
{{fs player|no=20|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[George Moncur]]|other=on loan from [[Leyton Orient F.C.|Leyton Orient]]}}
{{fs player|no=23|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[James Morton (footballer, born 1999)|James Morton]]|other=}}
{{fs player|no=
{{fs player|no=26|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Mikey Faulkner|other=}}
{{fs player|no=27|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Beau MacDonald|other=}}
{{fs player|no=28|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Oli Coker]]|other=}}
{{fs player|no=30|nat=CMR|pos=GK|name=Collin Andeng-Ndi|other=}}
Line 445 ⟶ 447:
|[[2022–23 Southend United F.C. season|2022–23]]||[[Cav Miley]]
|-
|
|}
Line 504 ⟶ 506:
|-
|2022–23||[[Jack Bridge]]||34||7||13
|-
|2023–24||[[Harry Cardwell]]||39||0||18
|}
Line 619 ⟶ 623:
|First-team coach|| [[Mark Bentley]]
|-
|Goalkeeping coach||[[To be confirmed|TBC]]
|-
|Head of football||[[John Still (footballer)|John Still]]
| |||