A BILL to establish an independent football regulator "will save other club's from suffering like Southend United have", according to Blues fans who welcomed the announcement.

The Labour government reintroduced the Bill during yesterday's King's Speech after initial plans failed to pass through Parliament before the General Election was called in May.

The regulator will provide “greater protection” for club heritage and ensure teams around the country have “responsible owners" and are "financially sustainable".

It comes after a tumultuous period for Southend United which saw the club on the verge of extinction if not for the effort's of a consortium - headed up by Justin Rees - to takeover the club.

Former Southend West and Leigh Tory MP Anna Firth campaigned rigorously for the independent regulator to be introduced after working closely with Mr Rees and Southend Council in the consortium's bid to takeover.

Speaking to the Echo, Shrimpers fan Terry Edwards said: “I wish it came in a bit earlier and it could have potentially helped with the mess we’ve been in. It’s awful what happened to us but luckily the consortium came in to save us.

“I think this is much needed and if it can even stop one club from going under or stop one rogue owner, then I think it’s worth it.”

The chief original purpose of the regulator – to ensure clubs are run sustainably and are accountable to their fans – remains intact, and as before the intention is that professional clubs in England will operate under licensing conditions set by the regulator.

Ms Firth said: "I am delighted to see that the Labour Government have pledged to continue the brilliant work that the Conservatives started before the General Election. Football governance reform is desperately needed and this Bill is simply too important to get left behind.

“Southend United may be out of immediate danger this time, but the legislation needs to be in place to ensure that Southend United and other clubs don’t meet the same, preventable end, as clubs like Bury. It is crucial that the incumbent MP doesn’t relent on this pressure and we get an Independent Regulator that will safeguard football for generations to come.”

Current Labour Southend West and Leigh MP, David Burton-Sampson, expressed his support for the announcement.

He said: “I am pleased to see The Football Governance Bill in The Kings Speech today as it delivers our manifesto commitment to introduce an Independent Football Regulator.

“The Government is strengthening these proposals to ensure that fans have a greater voice in their own clubs. It will not change the fundamentals of the game we love - but will ensure a more sustainable future, with fans at its heart, for generations to come.

“Whilst the Bill will not help save Southend United Football Club from the difficulties it has recently found itself in, it will ensure that the right protections are in place so that clubs do not find themselves in similar situations in the future.”