A FRUSTRATED Southend United fan has his say.
This is a topic that once again has divided the fan base, which is a shame as we have had some real unity over the summer with protests.
I am very much in 'team boycott’ at present, and I wanted to explain my reasons as to why and why I think others should reconsider their stance.
I have supported the club all my life and enjoyed many a great day at games, but have also endured some horrendous games.
However what we as a club have had to endure over the past few years as Ron’s leadership has plummeted into further decline is far worse than watching a bad game and it needs to stop now.
Ron is in a position of influence whether he likes it or not, and his actions result in many external factors, mainly people’s finances and mental wellbeing.
With this being the case, the longer he is at the helm, the longer this agony will continue.
This is where we very much need unity as a group, and to build on the unity that has grown over the summer with supporters groups coming together against Ron.
The pressure on Ron has grown significantly recently with Government interaction, publicity of the situation on main stream media and across social media.
I hope this is starting to make the message clear to him that he is not welcome in our club anymore.
Now I come to the reasons for boycotting home games.
We need to continue this pressure on Ron by hitting him where it hurts the most, his pocket.
Every penny that goes into this club makes his personal financial burden of running the club less.
The more money he has to put from his own pocket to keep the club alive, the greater the inconvenience on him and the greater the chance he will take sale negotiations seriously and complete the transaction.
Ron has to keep this club alive whilst in charge, as I mentioned earlier there is Government interest in the club as a valuable community asset, and if Ron allows the club to die, he will be left with two bits of land which he will unlikely be able to build anything on as he will be seen in a very unpopular light with the government and local councils.
I appreciate people's thoughts on wanting to cheer on the players and staff for all of their amazing commitment and contributions to the club.
They all deserve great accolades as they truly are all amazing people that the fanbase owe a life of gratitude too.
However I do feel people need to see the bigger picture here and sacrifice supporting a game on a Saturday, and support the greater good of the club.
I don’t think there is any better support we can give all the staff than outing poor leadership and uncertainty with a new owner who values them all and pays them on time each month, so they can live their lives without that worry and stress.
We can also give them great support on the road where the money doesn’t benefit Ron.
I know some people will go to games for reasons such as going with Grandparents who they may not have time to waste enjoying precious memories with them at games and such, and I fully respect everyone’s choice in what they do.
But if you fall outside of that then please look at the bigger picture and reconsider.
Even with boycotting we could all collectively support the team without entering the stadium and do something like giving them a hero’s welcome to the ground similar to what Liverpool do on Champions League nights as an example.
I just want to say a massive thank you to all of the players and staff who have kept the ship afloat, you are all heroes in my eyes.
Also to Anna Firth for getting the situation a lot of publicity and being involved with the league.
I think they may not have been so lenient with us without that.
Putting political beliefs aside, the work she has done really has been purely focused on the good of the local community.
And one final message to Ron, if you are reading this which I’m sure you will.
Have a think about the damage you are causing to thousands of people's lives on a daily basis and the community of Southend.
Is that really a legacy you want attached to your name?
Do the right thing and sell quickly.
Up the Blues and Martin Out!
Matt Little
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel