BLUES’ boss Ron Martin has said work on the club’s new stadium is due to start in the summer – and all the funding needed had now been secured.

Mr Martin has said plans to turn Roots Hall into a supermarket and the new 22,000-seater stadium at Fossetts Farm will together create 2,000 extra jobs and see £200 million invested in Southend.

The majority of the cash for the stadium is coming from Sainsbury’s plans for Roots Hall, which include the supermarket and new housing. The final parts of this plan are falling into place.

Southend councillors are set to rush through the final approval needed for the scheme at a full council meeting on April 23.

Members will be asked to agree the sale to the football club of St Mary’s Court flats in Victoria Avenue, land adjacent to the Blues shop in Victoria Avenue, and the Boots and Laces training ground at Fossetts Farm.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH RON MARTIN AND REACTION IN THURSDAY'S ECHO