HERE'S how a whole host of Southend United legends reacted to the club's new ownership after months of uncertainty.
NEIL HARRIS: "Today is a new dawn, and a landmark day for our football club. As an ex player and more importantly a boyhood fan, I’m delighted to see SUFC able start on a new journey and have an opportunity to rebuild and drive on again. I can’t wait to see Roots Hall full of optimism, excitement and smiles again this season. Up The Blues."
PETER TAYLOR: "I was delighted when I heard the news that Southend United have been saved and now I'm looking forward to seeing the club go from strength to strength. Kevin now has the tools and the atmosphere will now be even better. What a boost for the club and area. Good luck all."
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FREDDY EASTWOOD: "It’s brilliant news that the club is safe now and that the takeover has been completed. I have so many happy memories from my time at the club and it will always mean a lot to me. My dad still goes to a lot of the games so I hear a lot from him and I always look out for the results as well, especially with Kev in charge now. I hope the season ahead goes really well and I’ll definitely try and come down for a game.”
STEVE TILSON: “It’s brilliant news. I did always think it would get sorted and that the club would be OK but the longer it went on you do start worry. It’s been a tough time for everyone and hopefully now this can signal the end to all of those problems.”
MARK GOWER: "It’s a big relief. There are so many loyal fans in the area. They deserve a football club to support so it’s a great day for them. Hopefully Kev can concentrate on getting the team promoted now. Good luck to all."
CHRIS POWELL: "Absolutely brilliant news for every Shrimper in Southend, Essex and beyond. The fans and city have got their club back."
PETER CLARKE: "It's brilliant news that the club has been saved. Hopefully now looking forward the club can have a level of stability which will give Kev and the lads the correct tools to build a squad that's capable of promotion and getting the club back to where they belong."
SIMON ROYCE: "Amazing news for all connected to the club. I hope now they give Kev and his team the backing they deserve for all the hard work they have done through so much adversity."
IAN BENJAMIN: "I am absolutely thrilled for everyone that has been involved at the club from the past to the present. It is the best news that I have had for a long time."
RON POUNTNEY: "May I say this is wonderful news for former players and our magnificent supporters. Now I hope we can push on and get the results we need for promotion under the very capable hands of Kevin Maher and his coaching staff."
DANIEL BENTLEY: "I’m delighted to see that the club has been saved and given a new positive direction. I have amazing memories at the club and it holds such a special place in my heart. Seeing what has being going on recently has been really tough to see. I’m so glad the fans and all those that have persevered through the tough times, now have the news they deserve. Exciting times ahead, onwards and upwards! I’ll be supporting from afar as ever! Up the Blues."
RYAN LEONARD: "So pleased to hear the news, so happy for every single Southend United supporter, including myself and the whole community. "Here’s to a successful season. Going forward we will all be supporting the lads and Kev getting the football club back where they belong."
DARRYL FLAHAVAN: "This is fantastic news. Lets hope the club can move on and get back to where it belongs."
WILL ATKINSON: "It's unbelievable news that Southend United have been saved. I'm so happy for everyone at the club and most importantly the fans. Big season to come. Up the Shrimpers!"
DUNCAN JUPP: "Amazing resilience not to fold. Lets begin the races fast every week now and win promotion into the Football League again. Best of luck this season."
ADRIAN CLARKE: “It’s a huge relief that the club has been rescued. There are plenty of examples of clubs surviving major hard times, rebooting under new leadership and going on to thrive in the rebuild. I’m looking forward to watching that happen at Southend United. The fans and the city deserve happier times. One step at a time but if the club is run smartly, I believe we can make it back to the second or third tier, which is where we belong.”
LEE BARNARD: "Amazing news. It's a huge relief. It's been an uncertain time for the club recently but now hopefully that's behind us and we can push forward. Kev and the team have done well on the pitch so fingers crossed they can keep that up and get the club back into the Football League where it belongs. I'll sure to be over watching this season and supporting the boys."
BILEL MOHSNI: "I heard Southend are safe today, congratulations. It is great news for the club and the fans. I'm very happy for them and I hope the season coming up is a good one. All the best to all of the fans and the players."
ADAM BARRETT: "It's great news for the football club and everyone involved. Hopefully the club can move forward and get back to where it belongs. Up the Blues!"
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