Southend United's fans celebrate club's new owners

The consortium headed up by Justin Rees completed their takeover of the Shrimpers this afternoon to finally end Ron Martin’s reign at Roots Hall.

And fans have been toasting the news at the Railway Pub.

Jamie Forsyth, the co-editor of the All At Sea fanzine was among those in attendance and admitted the news would take time to sink in.

“It did seem like it was never going to happen,” said Jamie.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling now it’s done.

“It will sink it later I’m sure but right now I’m still trying to process it.

“I had started to feel quite cynical about it all but to know that the club is safe and that I can take my children along to watch us is just amazing.”

Showing their delight - Southend United supporters (Image: NICKY HAYES)

Tom Gibson, from the Southend Fan Protest group ,echoed those sentiments.

And he cannot wait to finally focus on just football once again.

“I’m buzzing and relieved,” said Tom.

“We can just watch the football now and not worry about tennis balls or plastic rats.

“It’s a new dawn and we’re optimistic.

“We all had better things to do than stand outside Ron Martin’s house but we’ve got what we wanted and he’s gone.

“We don’t know what’s to come but it can’t be worse than what we’ve already had.”

Overjoyed - Hannah Dudley and her family (Image: NICKY HAYES)

Hannah Dudley regularly watches the Shrimpers alongside her family.

And she felt incredibly emotional upon hearing the news.

“I burst into tears when I saw it,” said Hannah.

“They were happy tears but I just couldn’t believe it and I’m so happy.

“We’re renewing our season tickets and can’t wait now.”

And Charlie Mullard is also excited for the Shrimpers’ future.

“It’s been along time coming and it’s finally arrived but it’s not really sunk in yet I don’t think,” said Charlie.

Job done - council leader Daniel Cowan (left) and consortium member Jason Brown (Image: NICKY HAYES)

“This season is about stability and going through a season without a points deduction or embargo which would be a rarity.

“Let’s go and push for promotion.”

Blues continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.

And lifelong fan Mitch Easterford is overjoyed there will be many more matches to come in the future.

“It’s a day I was worried wasn’t going to come,” said Mitch.

“I was really starting to worry not just for me but my children and grandchildren who come along too.

“This means so much to us all.”