SOUTHEND United frequently produces far more drama than most football clubs.

In fact, it probably has more than most soap operas too.

But even by the Shrimpers’ own very unique standards the last few days have been rather eye-opening at Roots Hall with controversial chairman Ron Martin revealing his plans to sell the club.

In my eyes, Martin’s role with the Shrimpers had become untenable and it is the right decision for him to move on.

It should have happened sooner in fairness given the depths of the problems at Blues which have long been documented on these very pages.

In short that includes the back to back relegations, falling out of the Football League, transfer embargoes and struggling to pay staff, players and suppliers in the darkest days of the club’s long history.

Despite all of that, I was still surprised by Martin’s sudden announcement on Friday – and I wasn’t alone where that was concerned.

The vast majority of staff had no idea what was happening and I think most of us expected Martin to remain at the helm so he could secure financial reward from the new stadium.

With that in mind, my initial reaction was still one of scepticism.

Perhaps following the fortunes of Blues, you naturally become rather pessimistic.

I thought the statement could have been done to ease pressure on Martin whose running of the club has rightfully been heavily criticised from all quarters.

It could also have been released in a bid to get fans to stop boycotting buying season cards for the 2023/24 campaign.

I maintained those beliefs until I headed to the game on Saturday when I was assured by staff – who I most definitely trust - that Martin was definitely keen to go.

That being said it could still get very messy with the new stadium, should that ever be built.

And there are still huge concerns about how the Shrimpers will be funded until the sale of the club can be completed.

Everyone connected with Blues will have grown tired of the off-field troubles.

But the Shrimpers are now starting to look tired on the pitch too.

Saturday’s disappointing defeat was the fifth successive setback for Kevin Maher’s side who appear to have now run out of steam.

Blues’ were second best for the majority of the match at the weekend and the only high point was seeing Rhys Murphy score for the first time since coming back from a long injury lay-off.

His first goal in 15 months secured the Shrimpers a fortunate first half lead but the Shots hit back after the break to continue their remarkable run against Southend.

Subsequently, Aldershot have now won on their last four visits to Roots Hall, a ground they have not lost at in 33 years.

Their latest success was fully deserved and came against a Shrimpers side stunted by having been in a transfer embargo since September.

Blues look flat and need a spark to breathe life back into their season but what can Maher do?

A change of system could be an option, with a return to a back four or a front three with Jack Bridge on the left and Dan Mooney on the right, where he featured more frequently for Altrincham last season.

But Blues certainly need to threaten from other areas as the obvious threat Bridge offers has now started to be snuffed out by sides putting extra men on him.

Another option Maher potentially has is to look to call upon some of the younger members of the squad.

Oli Coker and Jack Wood are currently doing well out on loan while Jon Benton did likewise earlier on in the season before returning to Roots Hal.

Admittedly their performances came at a lower level but how will Blues know if they are good enough to shine in the National League if they are not given the chance?

Other midfielders have also been given countless opportunities and not really taken them.

It could be time to try something new, both on the field and off it – eventually.

But we already know neither will be short of drama because when it comes to Southend United, nothing ever is.

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