SOUTHEND United legend Stan Collymore has hit out at Blues chairman Ron Martin insisting he is 'no longer a fit nor proper owner of the club.

In a statement sent to Echosport Collymore said:"I've read Ron Martin's statement and it is no surprise to me that he has embarked in a glowing tribute of his own stewardship of Southend United despite being in the worst position on and off the pitch that the club arguably has ever been in."

Collymore went on: "The statement doesn't even make sense regarding me as I posted an email on here (thank goodness I decided to go down the transparency route), which I then received a reply to yesterday ( enclosed), and a phone message today saying Ron was busy with meetings in London yesterday, likely the same Monday so could I chat with him Tuesday or Wednesday to which I confirmed either day.

"So which is it? It's not true that we were due to talk today but in the next paragraph he says he was due to talk to me?

"Not only does this petiness fundemantally disrespect a genuine attempt to help him out of a mess of his and only his creating as the club is rudderless on and off the pitch but he essentially is calling me a liar despite showing my transparency to all of you in the last week.

"Ron Martin is no longer a fit nor proper owner of Southend United Football Club in my opinion and that a statement that fiddles a tune about his benefaction while Rome burns is a desperately worrying state of affairs.

"Should the amazing outpouring of support from supporters, employees and ex employees of the club hold firm with a mandate from all to effect change then as far as I'm concerned today is the day that Southend United is morally owned by its supporters with Ron Martin's ownership being seen as hostile, unwilling or unable to change course.

"I call upon every Southend United supporters, wherever you are to now accept that change is needed or this 115 year old institution, literally built by fans for the benefit of fans will die.

"A tone deaf statement at a time when ears, hearts and minds needed desperately to be opened.