UNDERFIRE Southend United chairman Ron Martin spoke with frustrated Shrimpers supporters at the start of today’s protest.

In footage seen by Echosport, Martin was quizzed by worried fans about the sale of the club and also on whether or not the Shrimpers would be allowed to stay in the National League next season.

When asked about the league, Martin said: “They would like us to pay football creditors.

“They’re being very sensible and they don’t want to chuck us out the league.

“They’re good people.”

Blues remain in crisis on and off the pitch and have been unable to start their pre-season schedule due to a lack of available players.

Echo: Speaking to fans - Blues chairman Ron MartinSpeaking to fans - Blues chairman Ron Martin (Image: Submitted)

The club have been in a transfer embargo since September and seem destined not to survive unless the club is soon sold.

Kimura remain in talks to buy Blues but Martin revealed there were two other parties interested in taking control.

“Rumours come from all over the place that aren’t true,” said Martin.

“There’s another person in the frame, in fact there’s two other people in the frame.

“The shares and Roots Hall were offered to them (Kimura) yesterday.

“I don’t think they can afford the new stadium.”

Martin went on to tell supporters he ‘doesn’t have lots of money to do what you want me to do' and added he did not have ‘£300,000 or £400,000 in his pocket.’

The controversial Blues chairman later left the protest but only after security guards had moved fans blocking his path out of the way.