Southend United Football Club have been forced to delay their decision over the new manager. Having previously told the Shrimpers fans that they would be making a decision by Thursday evening and Friday evening, they have now disappointed all Blues supporters by declaring that nothing will happen until Monday at the very least.
Although it is to be considered that United should take their time in appointing a new boss, this latest set-back is another public relations disaster for the Third Division outfit, as their own declarations over possible announcements have left them well and truly red-faced. Although the belated statement on the club’s official website, www.southendunited.co.uk, cites the “considerable media speculation” as a reason for the disappointment, the club cannot deny that their proclamations in the last 72 hours have contributed immensely to this added publicity.
It is believed that Ron Martin has been in detailed negotiations with at least one of three possible candidates for the job, but has yet to make a decision over which one is best equipped to take over the reigns and lead the Shrimpers forward. It can only be hoped that Blues will have someone in place before the next match, against Torquay United a week tomorrow. If this is not a distinct probability, then the statement which has been sent out to the club’s fans on the official website and through the SMS service is misleading, and will no doubt contribute to more unwanted speculation.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com