PASSIONATE Southend United supporter Stuart Meyrick does not understand how Ron Martin has been allowed to run the Shrimpers into the ground.

Blues are struggling to survive with Martin at the helm.

And Meyrick - who has watched his hometown club since 1990 - believes the footballing authorities should have done more to stop him putting the club at risk.

“If I run on the pitch with a pyro I’d be banned, if you fight someone you’re banned and if you step on the pitch you’re banned,” said Meyrick.

“But this has gone on for years and years so why’s he not been sanctioned?

“They should learn from this case because it could have been stopped before it got to this point.

“How he’s got away with it I don’t know.

“They should see he’s unfit to run a club.

“(Ivan) Toney has been banned for eight months for betting but why has no-one banned our chairman for what he’s done?”

Meyrick spoke to Echosport while at Saturday’s protest and is deeply concerned for the club’s future.

“This is life,” said Meyrick.

“This is real life and it’s emotional.

“It’s a family and we will be wherever we are playing but if it’s over it’s over and none of us will go and watch anyone else.”

Blues’ fragile future has caught the attention of football clubs across the country.

And York City’s Supporters Trust held a bucket collection to raise funds for the Shrimpers’ unpaid staff ahead of their pre-season friendly with Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Office staff have gone three months without receiving their salaries at Roots Hall while some workers have not been paid in four.

A hardship fund has been set up by the Shrimpers Trust to support staff when required and York’s fans were keen to play their part.

Writing on Twitter, the York City Supporter Trust said: “When our club was at its lowest fans and clubs up and down the country supported us, we haven’t forgotten their kindness. What is happening at Southend is shameful. The Shrimpers Trust are fighting for Southend United and are fundraising to help and protect it’s loyal staff.

York’s co-chair Matt Uggla tweeted he would match whatever was raised while Minstermen goalkeeper David Stockdale - who spent time on loan with Blues in 2018 – will also be auctioning off the shirt he wore when winning promotion with Sheffield Wednesday last season to raise money for the Shrimpers Trust’s fund which currently stands at £8,600.