NOBODY could ever accuse Ray Osborne of lacking commitment to the Southend United cause.

The 62-year-old watched his first Shrimpers game before he even started school.

And he first started working with the club in 1989.

“It’s always been a privilege to be involved,” said Osborne.

“You get to meet some very interesting people and get a real insight into what football is like behind the public face.”

Away from his involvement at Roots Hall, Osborne works as an accountant and it was through being involved with Rickard Keen that he eventually ended up teaming up with Blues.

“Rickard Keen did accounting and tax work with the then chairman Vic Jobson for a few years before he asked me down for a meeting,” said Osborne.

“I thought he was going to moan at me about our charges but he asked me if I wanted to become a director.

“He probably just wanted me so he could then get free advice but I had no hesitation in accepting the position.”

The quickness of Osborne’s decision was due to his affection for his local club which his family also supported and introduced him to at a very young age.

“I first went when I was about four and my family had around 20 season tickets at one point,” recalled Osborne.

“We used to have our own row and I’ve been following the club ever since then.”

But since becoming a director, Osborne has started to watch the Shrimpers in a far different — and perhaps less enjoyable — way.

“You’re wondering how big the crowd is and if a player gets injured you immediately think of how that may affect the finances,” said Osborne.

“It is different but there have been so many good times which you must always make sure you enjoy.”

Right now things do not look quite so bright for Blues with the team struggling both on and off the pitch.

But Osborne believes the future will still be strong for Southend.

“Ron Martin has a very clear vision for the club,” he insisted.

“Under him our average gate has improved but we need to get the new stadium going.

“Roots Hall costs too much to run and looks very tatty now when you see it on television.

“Once we get the new ground though we will be able to attract better players and have more income streams which will also make a difference.”