ANOTHER frustrated Southend United fan has his say.

I am 70-years-old and was introduced to the Blues by my Dad when I was nine years old.

I can't remember my first game but we stood together at the corner of the North Stand in front of a stanchion just in case their was a push from the crowd behind. I was hooked from that moment, a life long fan.

As I got older I started going to the South Stand with some mates and when I got my first second hand car, an old Ford Popular, we travelled the length and breadth of the country. Wonderful days.

I moved to Merseyside in the 70's but my ardour for my club never diminished.

Apart from a few home games each season when I visited my home town family I've mainly been going to away games in the Northwest and Midlands.

Now I watch on ifollow due to Covid.

I have watched Blues in good and bad times, more bad than good if I'm honest, but have never been as demoralised as I am now.

The main reason is not the players, management or even the position in the Division.

I always believe the footballers will produce eventually and get us out of the mess.

They have done it before, failed on occasions but, as a fan that happens and fans deal with it and look forward to the next season.

The reason for my personal demoralisation is totally to do with the way that Ron Martin appears to disrespect the fans.

No information about the transfer embargo, no information about debts, no information about why we go into Administration Court every six months, no information about Covid safety in the ground when the fans finally get back in.

At this level of football owners and directors of clubs rely heavily on the goodwill and involvement at a community level from the fans.

This is a small club that survives largely because of the dedication of its core support.

It appears that Ron Martin does not appreciate this fact.

Isn't it time for him to involve the fans more, spell out what is going on at the club and, if he does so, he might just get some respect.

Until he does this fans will continue to doubt that his intentions are anything other than financial.

NORMAN MEDDLE

via e-mail