SOUTHEND United is now just inches away from its new 22,000-seater stadium, after a Government announcement it would almost certainly go ahead at Fossett's Farm.

Just two small legal issues now stand between the club and its new ground, in a move Blues chairman described as the "biggest day in the club's history".

Speaking from the team's current Roots Hall ground, a delighted Mr Martin said building work would start at the end of the summer and he hoped the stadium would be finished for the start of the 2010 season.

He estimated the total cost of the complex to be around £50million and said he hoped the decision would be a catalyst to boost Southend's chances of promotion this season.

He said: "I think it will have a positive impact on the side. We're just outside the playoffs now with a game in hand and I hope this will give us an increased momentum and impetus.

"With these new facilities, I think we'll be able to attract better players because this is going to be a fantastic facility.

"I don't want to go over the top, but I really believe it will be an architectural masterpiece."

Mr Martin said there were a couple of small legal issues to be ironed out before final approval was granted - that of affordable housing provision and the ownership of one piece of land - but he was confident this would happen quickly.

He added: "I'm delighted for myself and the hard work of the team and all the Southend supporters.

"We've waited many years for this and it will take Southend out of the lower echelons of the football league and means we will be able to compete in the Championship.