THE consortium committed to taking over Southend United has revealed taking control of the club now is the only way it can be saved.

 

The National League revealed last night that the Blues must post a bond of £1million to prove they can fulfil their fixtures next season.

 

 

Reacting to the latest blow to the club, the custodians of Southend United (COSU) expressed their frustrations but insisted things are not as bad as they may seem.

The group believe they should now no longer wait for the revised Fossetts Farm plans to be agreed before taking control of the club, despite the "significant risk" to COSU.

At this stage, no guarantees can be given but they say club chairman Ron Martin and Southend Council "know what is required and are working towards delivering that outcome".

While the consortium urge fans to stay "united and positive", here is a reminder of the dedicated members who make up the consortium buying Southend United.

 

WHO MAKES UP THE CONSORTIUM?

Justin Rees is heading up the consortium. He co-founded and sold an IT consultancy in Australia but is currently based in Europe. Made his SUFC spectator debut at Blues' 2-0 away win against Dagenham earlier this season.

David Kreyling and Tom Arnold are the Founders of CSL Group which drives ‘Sport for Social Change’.

Passionate about how sport and physical activity can change lives, they have grass roots involvement in Southend football and other sporting projects.

Jason Brown is a Hong Kong based hedge fund manager who grew up in the Southend area and has been a lifelong supporter of the club.

George Taylor is the son of former Rochford and Southend East MP Sir Teddy Taylor. Sir Teddy regularly attended matches at Roots Hall before his death aged 80 in 2017. George is a Hong Kong-based investor and director at Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.

Tom Lawrence has been the Southend United chief executive since May 2021 and jumped at the chance to increase his involvement at Roots Hall. He held regular talks with Justin as the Australian looked to complete a deal for the club, which ultimately led to him being handed a place in the consortium himself.

Paul Redbourn and Ian Redbourn became a part of the consortium after a conversation at a barbeque. The brothers were born and raised in Southend and, after the chat with family friend George Taylor, they joined the consortium as they "could not allow the Blues to die".

John Watson is the owner of packaging and taxi businesses in Southend and a Southend United season ticket holder for the past 40 years.

Gary Lockett is a life-long Southend United fan, chairman of the Southend United Community & Educational Trust (SUCET) and Shrimpers Trust member.

Echosport understands the consortium regard boss Kevin Maher, head of recruitment John Still and chief executive Tom Lawrence very highly and will not be looking to make changes.

There will be no single majority shareholder but a new board of directors will be formed.