SOUTHEND United fans have been boosted by news the club are in advanced talks to be sold.

Blues chairman Ron Martin remains in deep discussions with a group of businessmen from Kimura Capital and Integral Sports Management.

And Shrimpers supporters have reacted positively to the development.

Perry Rourke, who has followed Blues for 20 years, said: “I think the news is a huge boost to what is a starved and saturated fanbase.

“We’re on our knees for new impetus and it looks like it’s nearing completion.

“Fans are starting to buzz again and the feel-good factor is spreading across social media.

“The plans sound promising with them keen to keep the academy running and looking to take over the whole project.”

Fans have protested against Ron Martin’s poor running of the club all season.

But there could now be light at the end of the tunnel for the long-suffering supporters.

And that has pleased Shrimpers fan Tom Gibson.

“It's a positive development without doubt,” said Gibson.

“On the face of it, it's not a Wrexhamesque millionaire's plaything type project but one brokered by serious investors in the sports industry with a proven track record of getting serious big money deals over the line.

“All we've wanted since the start is stability and it looks like this group are well set up to bring it about as serious business people rather than Ron Martin.”

And those sentiments were echoed by Tom Dixon who has followed Blues for 30 years.

“From the position we are in at the moment any sale is positive and preferential to the alternative, which is going out of business,” said Dixon, 41.

“We know very little at the moment.

“We’re not sure how much financial clout they have and what sort of budget the coaching staff would have?

“But the reports suggest that the stadium and training facilities would be included in any deal which is a massive positive.

“We could all do with good news after the last few years so fingers crossed this turns out to be a positive development.”

And James Schooley, another long-term Shrimpers fan, has also welcomed the news.

“Of course we have entered the territory of ‘anyone but Ron’ now but this group seems credible,” said Schooley.

“They clearly have access to wealth and good contacts, and some invaluable experience in sports and sports marketing.

“I’m very encouraged to hear that they want to fund a full Academy, and that the deal will likely include the new stadium and training complex too, which will give us the complete break from Ron Martin and the fresh start that is so badly needed.

“It seems like all involved want to get it done quickly so that there isn’t too much time lost for next season’s preparations.

“We have everything we need in place on the football side with a fantastic football department - give them the tools they need and the club could flourish.

“Everything I’ve heard gives me confidence that this group could be great for the club and will start turning the ship around at last.”

Blues finished eighth in the table last season, despite the off-field issues.

And Shrimpers supporter Harrison Lane believes the group currently in talks will know how much the club means to the fans.

“I'm cautiously optimistic,” said Lane.

“The guys involved are successful businessmen and from Essex, so they will know what Southend means to the city.

“I really hope they can get this over the line as soon as possible so we can march on into the new season with fresh hope.”