Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer speak on situation at Southend United and their ongoing battle

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer took a few minutes to speak on the situation at Southend United and their ongoing battle in a bid to survive.

They were speaking on The Rest Is Football, sharing their thoughts on the ongoing legal battle affecting the takeover of the club amid financial struggles.

It’s a nervous week for the National League side ahead of Wednesday’s winding up petition which could see the club wound up.

Towards the end of their chat, as seen below, Gary and Alan reflected on the troubling times at Southend, and wished them all the best and luck in trying to get themselves out of the touch times they’re currently going through.

“Southend United matters so much to so many people in the city.” 💔

Gary and Alan share their thoughts on the ongoing legal battle affecting the takeover of the club amid financial struggles. pic.twitter.com/FC9hZnQZ9x

— The Rest Is Football (@RestIsFootball) June 24, 2024

Gary Lineker: “I just want to change the subject a little bit away from from the Euros just something before we go because I think it’s important/

“Out here in Germany we’re here for the BBC of course it’s great to see the joy the excitement football that that obviously it gives people real party atmosphere fans mixing join the games etc and we all know that’s what football can do and it brings people together and communities together and the way people have mixed it has been amazing.

“It’s I think it’s really troubling to hear about the I don’t know whether you’re aware of it Alan.”

Alan: “I am yeah.”

Gary: “Precarious situation Southend United found themselves in, actually one of our big wigs at the BBC ‘Biggers’ ‘big Bigwood’ Phil Bigwood, he’s a massive Southend fan and I mean he’s seriously worried about the future of the club and it is I understand a very critical week.

“I think negotiations are ongoing with the council the current chairman and the consortium wishing to take over but with the club back in court this week facing another winding up order.

“I just really hope that those involved can compromise because that’s what we want you know conclude the negotiations and ensure that we don’t lose another football club from our game and it’s a big club Southend, you know National League level a club with well over what 100 years of history.”

Alan: “Well you know what it’s like for the people of that community, how much the club means to them.”

Gary: “I lost there actually I think was Spurs when I was there in the late 80s, I know we know football’s a business and of course all businesses need money to survive.

“I just really hope that those involved can find a solution for the greater good you know, Southend United matters, matters to so much to so many people in the city, further field, you know some players I’ve seen trying to rally the thing…”

Alan: “Yeah I hope so I just said it’s like for the people of that community for so long and means so much to them so I desperately hope they get it sorted out this week.”

Gary: “Yeah if the deal can be done imagine the feel good factor around the place and the lift it will give you know every supporter.

“I know it’s been you know trouble for a few years for the club at a time when things aren’t great for many people but I really really do hope that solution can be found.

“It’s complicated but fingers crossed all parties involved can find a way and a little bit of what I’m enjoying at the Euros can make it its way to South East Essex.

“Hopefully fingers crossed, fingers crossed, sort it out for every Southend fan, let’s leave it there Alan.”

Twitter users gave their reaction as Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer speak on the situation at Southend United and their ongoing battle…

@AndySTurner1963: Thank you for the mention. And yes you did play there with Spurs Gary, in the League Cup. You lost 3-2 but it was two legs and you went through on away goals 🤨

@AdamDurera: Thank you both 💙🦐⚽️

@VanThorb: 💯 👏

@stevecotgrove: #MARTINOUT 🐀

@scottycav13: They actually seem to get it as well…seemed very genuine 🤞🏻

@Andrew_Shrimper: Very true words @GaryLineker – “Southend United matters”. Let’s hope this isn’t our last week in existence. 😔

@Keithharris76: I can’t believe you’re back here again. It’s heartbreaking

@Andrew_Shrimper: We never really left to be honest mate. Friday we essentially died for a couple of hours due to the Chairman’s brinkmanship as the council walked away from the table until he came crawling back,

@Keithharris76: Bloody hell, I read a long piece on it a few weeks ago and it does seem that the club has just been allowed to become a pawn in a larger game. Everything crossed for you mate

@Andrew_Shrimper: Yeah it’s a nightmare. His original plans failed the due diligence so the council said we need ‘this’ before Friday and he strung them along for a week saying that’s fine and then late the night before the deadline completely changed his answers and wouldn’t budge. 🙄

@Neil_Harman57: Well done @GaryLineker and @alanshearer for highlighting the dire consequences facing @SUFCRootsHall this week. Hugely important few days ahead for my home town club. ⚽️🙏💙

@iamwilloldham: @GaryLineker “Southend United matters”. Thank you Gary and @alanshearer 💙🦐

@MarkHunt271278: 100 years of history, with nearly 8000 fans, every game, with the potential of being a lot more fans at the games, Ron is a disgrace….

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Shrimpers Trust prepared for all outcomes regarding Southend United including phoenix club plans