SOUTHEND United’s supporters are relishing an “exciting era” for the football club.

The consortium led by Justin Rees will officially take control of the Shrimpers in the New Year.

But lifelong supporter Terry Edwards can already see the positive changes being made by the new owners, including the removal of the transfer embargo.

“I watched my first Southend game in 1980 and have been hooked on this crazy club ever since,” said Edwards.

“I inflicted my son with Southenditus too and for the first time in 43 years, I can finally feel that the club is in safe hands.

“I'm hoping it's the start of an exciting era and lifting the embargo is a great start.

“I really hope a bit of money is spent on the ground too because the way the ground has been left to rot is disgusting.”

The Shrimpers have been forced to overcome a number of difficulties in recent seasons and came close to being wound up in the High Court in the summer.

But Blues supporter Chris Callaghan has seen his excitement for the club renewed by the consortium.

“The relief of securing our future is beyond words but it's the prospects for the future of the club that I am excited for,” said Callaghan.

“We have had great teams and enjoyed success but never had an ownership that that wanted to take the club forward on the level that this consortium have indicated and embrace the community of Southend in the journey.

“I have never felt so positive about the club in my whole 55 years as a supporter.”

Kevin Lansdale, a fan since 1973, echoed those sentiments.

And he feels Blues are a club with huge potential.

“I am so happy and optimistic for the future,” said Lansdale.

“The consortium are making all the right noises and fan engagement appears to be at the heart of the business model.

“The club can go a long way with the right backing.”

Passionate Blues fan Simon Dodd shares those views and has loved the good news coming the club’s way in the past few days.

“It’s the season of goodwill and what a week it’s been,” said Dodd.

"The phrase “it's always darkest before the dawn” has never been so apt with so many false reports before the news all Shrimpers have been waiting for – the consortium have been successful, and contracts have been exchanged.

"Then after over 400 days, the embargo has been lifted and we can be a functional football club again.

"There is a long road ahead, there are many things to get sorted but we are getting back to being able to compete once again."