SOUTHEND United fans are protesting outside the house of Blues chairman Ron Martin for the third Saturday in succession today.

Shrimpers supporters continue to fear for the future of the club with Martin at the Roots Hall helm.

And Kevin Eaton - who has watched Blues for 40 years - is among those making his feelings known 

"I'm here to try and get Ron Martin to sell the club essentially," said Eaton.

"He's been here 20 years or so and the early years were good.

"But the club can't keep on limping on like it is now so just let it go and enable it to progress.

"This is the worst it's ever been and the last decade has seen a real decline.

"We've had relegations and 20 odd appearances in the High Court.

"I'm really worried.

"It would be a huge sense of loss if we were to lose the cub.

"It would be like losing a relative."

Blues have been given the go-ahead to start the National League season but huge problems remain on and off the pitch.

Echo: Boosted - protesting Southend United fans were sent doughnuts by the Shrimpers TrustBoosted - protesting Southend United fans were sent doughnuts by the Shrimpers Trust (Image: Nicky Hayes)

Saturday's pre-season match with Wimbledon was called off due to Roots Hall not being ready to stage a game and the Shrimpers have been able to play just two 90 minutes warm up matches ahead of the new campaign.

Blues have been under a transfer embargo since September and currently have just 10 contracted players available. 

Fans protesting today were also sent doughnuts by the Shrimpers Trust