RAY Winstone says he will not be on the board at Southend United should the Kimura group complete their takeover of the Shrimpers.

The well-known actor is closely linked to Kimura through being a co-founder of Integral Sports Management.

But that role also rules him out holding an official role at Roots Hall, despite his love for the area.

He told TalkSport: “I can’t. I’m part of an agency, so I can’t be part of a board in any way for a football club.

“I did have talks with a certain company about it because I’ve got a great love for Southend.

“It was the first team I ever went to see play football when I was a kid.

“My nan lived in Southend and when I was a little kid my uncle Len took me along to see Southend play, so I’ve always had a kind of a little love affair with them.

“I hope someone takes it over and turns it into a blinding club, because it needs some money injected into it.”

Talks continue between Kimura and controversial chairman Ron Martin, with progress being made in the last couple of days.

And Winstone knows those currently in discussions with Martin would do well for the Shrimpers.

“I think the people going into Southend have great intentions of actually doing some good stuff there,” said Winstone.

“They want to develop the stadium there and with that kind of facility they're talking about, good players will want to go there at that level.

“Hopefully it will stand them in good stead for the future.”