SOUTHEND United chief executive Tom Lawrence admits the club’s Roots Hall home is inadequate for its supporters.

Blues continue to be backed in big numbers.

But Lawrence knows the Shrimpers must move to a new stadium in order to generate more income.

“Roots Hall is tired and in need of constant upkeep,” said Lawrence.

“It is a money pit with inadequate facilities to service our fans and to generate income.

“There is close to zero opportunity, at Roots Hall, to generate non matchday income.

“This will all change when Fossetts Farm is built, complete with its significant conferencing and banqueting space, seven day-a-week bar and other revenue streams.

“We will move to a close to 365 day a year business.

“The projections show we will break even with a very healthy player budget enabling us to compete at the top end of League One.”

And Lawrence feels progress is being made with regards to the new stadium.

“With the help of the council, who recognise Roots Hall requires constant costly works to maintain our safety certificate, we are getting there, and completion of the new pitches is a major start,” said Lawrence.

“The £2million to create the initial works for the new ground comes from a different funding pot.

“In time we shall be able to capitalise the club to bring more success – promotion back to the EFL is our goal.

“Promotion to League Two alone would swing the turnover in our favour by at least £1.4million, reducing the current loss to a manageable number.”

And, on the Fossetts development, Lawrence added: “The construction works on our four new training pitches is now complete.

“The contractor who built the pitches will maintain them until spring, at which point the first team can start using them.

“Once Boots & Laces is vacated, works on the new stadium and residential scheme can start.”