FORMER Southend United chief executive Tara Brady has confirmed he tried to buy the club last month.

But under-fire club chairman Ron Martin has told the Echo, Brady’s plans were ‘not of sufficient interest.’

Brady - who was Blues’ chief executive between December 2010 and February 2012 - made the offer in mid-July and has since moved on to explore other opportunities in football.

However, he had been keen to make a Roots Hall return after seeing Martin put the club up for sale.

After being contacted by the Echo, Brady said: “I made a firm offer that I thought was fair for the football club.

“It was acknowledged but I haven’t heard back since then so I’ve moved on and I’m looking elsewhere.

“I can only imagine they must have better offers.”

Martin revealed back in March he was putting the club up for sale after 25 years in charge.

And, in a statement issued by Jez Moxey and the club’s selling agent General Sports Worldwide with approval from Martin, it has been confirmed that talks to sell the club are continuing.

“I have been authorised to confirm that Mr Martin is having private and confidential discussions with interested parties who have signed NDAs, shown proof of funds and demonstrated a seriousness about acquiring control of Southend United FC,” said the statement.

“Tara Brady’s WhatsApp approach to us and the contents of his messages were shared and considered but were not of sufficient interest to Mr Martin.

“Consequently, he decided not to pursue the matter with Mr Brady at that time.”

The statement added: “In addition, Mr Martin respectfully suggests that serious parties do not use the local media to talk about the possibility of a deal of this nature nor communicate their personal perspectives about such matters, even though he fully understands the supporters’ keen interest in what is happening with the sale and purchase of the club.

“No further comment will be made at this time but, naturally, when the club is able to share substantive information about this important process then it will do so with the approval of all parties involved.”

However, Shrimpers fan Liam Clark - who covers the club on his YouTube channel Shrimpers TV - is confused as to why Brady's offer was ignored.

"As a former chief executive it seems as though this would have been the perfect offer for Southend United and the history of the football club," said Clark.

"I don't know why it's been ignored and the news means the concerns of Southend United fans will grow once again over whether Ron Martin does in fact want the best for the football club as he previously stated when putting the club up for sale.

"As each day ticks by I feel like the football club is slipping away.

"I fear Southend United may cease to exist next season and if someone is willing to step in and stop that why isn't that being taken seriously?."

Blues battled throughout the summer to be able to start the National League season with staff going three months without being paid before receiving their salaries in late July.

The Shrimpers are also back in the High Court next Wednesday due to a winding up petition issued by HMRC and face a 10 point deduction if the outstanding fee, of £275,000 is not paid.