28th October 2009
Further to the statement issued by the Shrimpers Trust on the evening of Tuesday 27th October, the following information was discussed with Southend United Chairman Ron Martin earlier this evening (27.10.09) and he has just provided (11:35pm) the following bullets which have been slightly edited for context.
Where possible, Mr. Martin's own words have been used in quotes to relay the sentiment.
Mr. Martin is making progress on clearing the debt but Monday night's "precipitous action by HMRC has meant condensing potentially six or seven weeks work into one and they are not issues to be rushed."
Mr. Martin would like to "do the honorable thing and discharge the debt rather than the Club seek to escape it through administration," and he does not want the fans to raise money on the back of Tuesday's announcement as he says, "Supporters pay for their season ticket and there shouldn't be any further necessity to put their hands in their pocket."
He told Trust chairman Paul FitzGerald that he would wish to reimburse any further investment.
Mr. Martin is meeting with the potential administrator tomorrow "out of courtesy at their request. It's not formal and means little." He applauds supporters for being proactive and the next few days will determine whether that is needed.
Supporters will need to make their own mind up about some of these comments but from a Trust perspective we intend to continue with our own plans until such time as either the Debt is cleared or we are required to take some action in Administration.
27th October 2009
The Shrimpers Trust has been working tirelessly since the news broke on Tuesday afternoon that Southend United FC faced the specter of administration.
It is vital that the response to this announcement is swift, and the Trust have already sought advice from Supporters Direct, the supporters' trust initiative. Contact is also being made with other trusts who have sampled the situation that the Shrimpers now find themselves in.
The Trust has been overwhelmed by the reaction of supporters and appreciates all of the offers of help made so far, whether directly or indirectly, and continues to monitor the various supporters' messageboards.
We will make further statements regarding precise action that can be undertaken, and we will be seeking volunteers to help us with this, so please visit our website, www.shrimperstrust.co.uk, for the latest details.
At 10:00pm tonight we have given up for the night waiting for Ron Martin to provide some information promised to us. As it stands the Trust plans to organise several fundraising initiatives including a collection on Friday night - this is against Mr. Martin's wishes.
The Chairman of the Trust has spoken to Mr. Martin again personally today and he has made several statements which may or may not ease supporters' minds however, mindful of the timing, the Trust has decided to move ahead with this statement and its plans whilst hoping the Club Chairman will provide more information in the morning.
As soon as more verifiable information is known the Trust will post more news.
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