SOUTHEND United supporters are rallying together to get Roots Hall ready for the start of the National League season.

The Shrimpers are due to host Oldham Athletic a week tomorrow in their first fixture of the campaign.

And life-long Blues fan Lawrence Austin has instigated a clean up of the stadium this Sunday, with more than 100 fellow supporters already agreeing to take part.

“We have had over 100 people who have said they will be coming and the aim is to clean every seat, every toilet, paint all the stand gates and any other iron mongers that needs a lick of paint and then any internal painting that needs refreshing too,” said Austin.

“We’re working alongside Tom (Lawrence) and Rhys (Ellingham) at the club who are putting together a list of things that the 100 people strong can make a difference with so we’re really keen to do what we can.”

The Shrimpers have not hosted a match at Roots Hall since the end of last season.

And Austin is keen to show his support for Blues boss Kevin Maher and his players who continue to prepare for the campaign in testing circumstances.

“We want to make Roots Hall the best it can be and also show we’re right behind Kev, his staff and the players,” said Austin.

“It’s been a tough summer for all of us but we want to show our support by all chipping in.

“We can’t wait until Ron Martin leaves to get going with this so we need to act now and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Anyone wishing to help should meet at the Roots Hall reception at 10am on Sunday.

And Austin has been overwhelmed by the level of support shown so far.

“We’ve had a lot of local businesses get in touch which has been brilliant,” said Austin.

“Some have donated refreshments including 200 cup cakes plus buckets, wipes, gloves and masks have been donated by Howdens,” said Austin.

“A number of local businesses have paid their staff to come and work at Roots Hall including handymen, landscapers, professional cleaners and plumbers. “Chris Nice, my right hand man in this, has sorted a glazer to come in and replace some glass too.”

Blues have yet to be awarded a safety certificate for the season ahead with the Shrimpers Trust confirming yesterday.

“We have seen some confusion surrounding the safety certificate at Roots Hall,” said the Trust.

“Whilst there is an existing safety certificate from previous years, this has to be checked yearly by the council and this has not yet been approved for the upcoming season.

“Work is ongoing behind the scenes to resolve this as per Anna Firth’s statement yesterday. This matter needs to be resolved imminently for the season opener to go ahead as planned.”