The National League issue a statement on Southend’s place in the division ahead of 2023/24 season amid concerns for the club’s future.
The Shrimpers are allowed to begin the season but warns of the possibility of future sanctions.
Southend have been awarded a licence to kick off the campaign, but while the Blues’ staff are now up to date with their wages having had to wait three months to be paid, the club are still required to meet certain criteria by the league.
Chris Phillips of Echo News: “I think that statement is exceptionally fair from the league. Blues could very easily have been kicked out long before now. It’s going to be very tough in the first few games. Blues are still under embargo and are only allowed a squad of 16.”
Southend United WILL start the National League season https://t.co/1JzGYpyKBw
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) July 26, 2023
LEAGUE STATEMENT:
The National League appreciate the current unsettling time for the supporters of Southend United FC and would like to set out the current position.
Following extensive and positive dialogue, including sight of suitable evidence provided by the Club, appropriate steps are being made by the Club to satisfy the League and secure its participation in the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season.
The Club has now cleared the debts owed to football creditors and as such the League has issued a licence for the Club to participate in the 2023/24 Season.
The Club, who can now move forward to commence the season, are also required to fulfil the following conditions:
a. The Club HMRC debt is to be discharged in full by their next court date, 23 August 2023. It should be noted that this remains a requirement from the League even if the court hearing is further adjourned past the 23 August 2023.
b. In addition, having discharged all outstanding Football Creditors, and all HMRC debt by 23 August 2023, it will be a condition of the license to ensure all new or any Football Creditors debts or HMRC debt are cleared on time to the satisfaction of the League at any point during the 2023-2024 season.
Should the above, set out in a or b not be satisfied, the Club will be subject to an immediate and automatic 10 points deduction. This is in addition to any other action deemed appropriate by the League when considering any new debt.
The League has made it clear to the Club the importance that not only the current debt is settled but the Club operates in a manner that ensures they operate sustainably moving forward.
SOUTHEND FANS GROUP STATEMENT:
“There remains no confirmation from the club that all payments to creditors have been met and, as a result, the job of the football department remains almost impossible.
“Whilst Ron Martin is in charge, Southend United will remain under an existential threat, with the owner doing the bare minimum to support its functionality.
“Supporters can be assured that we are doing all we can to preserve the future of our club.
“The continued game of chess between the owner and any prospective bidders cannot continue.
“There is massive potential within our fanbase.
“Supporters are ready to play their part.
“We firmly believe greater fan representation is crucial to a thriving and sustainable football club, and we would like to speak to any parties who share our vision.
“We can also confirm that there will be a further responsible and lawful protest against the actions of the current owner between 10:00am and 3:00pm on Saturday, 29th July on the corner of Essex Way, Vicarage Hill and Benfleet Road.
“We encourage supporters to bring placards, signs, posters and leaflets and make your feelings clear, but a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol will again be in effect.”
“Furthermore, should the situation not be resolved, co-ordinated action will take place at the first National League fixture of the season at Roots Hall against Oldham Athletic on Saturday 5th August,” said the statement.
“We have already received public support from the Oldham Athletic Supporters Foundation and will seek to release details of our plans early next week.”
Here’s what fans are saying as the National League issue a statement on Southend’s place in the division ahead of the 2023/24 season…
@tobyhullyer: Nothing really changes until Martin leaves tho, the blokes run that club into the ground
@Dazzarogers: So basically they’re getting a 10 point deduction later in the month.
@BradleyKnowles1: Wages due again Monday reckon they will start on a -10
@oafc19: Can play but if they dont pay the debts next month they will get a points deduction
@robertholland_: Great to hear and hopefully makes it easier for the club to be sold to better owners #MartinOut
@DonkeyDelph: Game on #oafc
@maysies4: Think we’ll have enough players to make up a match day 11?
@ScotsShrimper: That’s cool and all but it doesn’t sit well with me. With the state of our club it seems like we’re getting special treatment.
@wegoagainonsat: When will this bloody takeover happen, beginning to think RM thinks he can carry on.
@hund85: Thats actually a pretty fair statement to be honest!!
@Greggie_Griff: but not necessarily end it #MartinOut
@KetchleyShane: Still need the Embargo lifted even with this good news the national league won’t need to worry about a 10 point deduction as we will be cut adrift massively by that point anyway without any recruitment
@samtheshrimp18: This plays into our hands a bit I think. Tells buyers that if you want a return on the investment, you need to get moving now.
@shrimperlee: I agree – don’t think they could be any clearer or fairer
@JacckCFC: Essentially like how Bolton was a few years ago when they started the season
@ShrimpersTalk: I’ll take a tough season and even relegation if it means Southend United without Ron Martin remains alive and in business
@heyit5sam: So how does lumping a 10 point deduction help? Punishing the fans, players & staff with something that’s out of their control. All changes when the rotten owner is forced out of Southend
@JamesSullivan72: Now he can just get out of our club #martinout
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