NILE Ranger insists the continued backing of Southend United has made them feel more like his family than a football club.

Blues chairman Ron Martin opted to rescue Ranger from the footballing wilderness when signing him last summer and soon rewarded him with an extended contract after the striker made an impressive start to the season.

But since then, Martin has stood by Ranger during difficult times and has even met with members of his family in a bid to bring the best out of the 26-year-old.

“The chairman has backed me all the way, he’s done the most and I don’t think people even know the half of what he’s been through with me or everything he’s done for me as well,” said Ranger.

“He’s gone above and beyond what’s expected of a chairman and has even been meeting with my mum to talk about me.

“The gaffer has also been messaging my mum because they all know how much I respect her and how important she is to me.

“But for them to do that and everything else is really good.

“This really isn’t a football club to me now - it’s my family because of what they’ve done for me and how much love they’ve shown me along with everyone else like the lads and the fans as well.

“I’m not sure I would have got these chances anywhere else and I’m incredibly grateful.”

Ranger had gone close to two years without making a first team appearance before joining Blues, initially on trial, on the eve of last summer.

And the striker - who remains on a 7pm curfew due to the conditions of his release from prison - will soon be moving to live in Southend.

“I’ll be looking to move to Southend soon and that’s definitely going to make things easier,” said Ranger.

“It will be good to be nearer the training ground and the stadium as well.”

Ranger scored eight goals in 28 games for the Shrimpers last season, with eight of those appearances coming as a substitute.

But the striker - who had not featured since April before returning at the weekend - will now be looking to help Blues end their six match winless streak.