A FOOTBALL club has been saved from being booted out of its league in one of the biggest moments in its 67-year history.

Southend Manor Football Club is set to carry out essential improvements to its Southchurch Park Arena home.

The club, which plays in the ninth tier of English football, the Essex Senior League, has been struggling to meet FA ground requirements and was facing removal from the league if improvements were not made.

In July of 2020, Southend Council approved plans to build a new boundary fence around the perimeter of the pitch, a new 100-person spectator stand, and works to replace the current dug outs.

On January 7, the club announced it was moving forward with the works.

Club chairman Jerry Omango said: “This is arguably one of the most important days in the club’s long history because without this deal the club’s future was at risk. We have worked extremely hard over the past two years to reach an agreement with the council to carry out the essential improvements to satisfy the FA regulations.

“When I arrived at Southend Manor we had one youth team with 15 players, we now have nine youth teams along with a thriving manor mini’s for the under six’s resulting in over 150 children participating in healthy activity with a smile on their face.”

Public access to the site will remain in place, but the club with retain the right to close the site at night to protect from vandalism.

In recent years the club had grown from having just one youth side with 15 players to nine youth teams and 150 children playing at the club.

Mr Omango added: “Finally, I want to thank the people of Southend. During the dark times I can honestly say it was your love and support that kept us going. When the club needed you the most you reminded us that the club has brought much happiness to many local people over the past 67 years. This did not go unnoticed, myself and the club are eternally grateful. Thank You”

Work is due to commence shortly.