Not since John Main was ousted from his position back in July 2000 have Southend United Football Club operated with a Chairman at the helm, although Martin, who along with Delancey is the Club's major shareholder has taken day-to-day responsibilities of the Club. As a result, United were the only Football League side not to possess an officially appointed Chairperson.
Martin had previously decided not to officially take the role as it was felt that other commitments may interrupt with his responsibilities. However with his seat on the Football League reluctantly given up due to United's promotion to League One, pressure from the Board and the Club's members alike saw Martin offer to Chair the Club, a pledge which was approved by every person present at the Meeting, held at Roots Hall.
Geoffrey King remains in his previous role as Deputy Chairman, whilst Michael Markscheffel and Ray Osborne were also re-elected to the board without a single objection.
Meanwhile, the new Chairman told informed shareholders that the Club's plans for a new stadium on the Fossetts Farm site are still very much going ahead, but the stumbling block at the moment is simply money. As such, Martin is still looking to take control of Delancey's entire stake in the Club, but cannot currently unable to do so. Should he prove successful, South Eastern Leisure, owners of the Roots Hall lease will be entirely the property of Martin (it is currently shared with Delancey) and thus securing the future of the ground until the Club move out with Martin, in theory, able to gift the site back to the Club.
Moving on to other matters, it was revealed that the Club made £80,000 from reaching the play-offs. "That's why we did it that way!" chirped up boss Steve Tilson jokingly from his seat next to the Director's table, but undoubtedly it has proved a welcome resource for the Club. However participating sides do not recieve any extra income from Sky Television, nor do they, it was said, for the LDV Vans Trophy Final, whilst gate reciepts for all five matches are split evenly between the four competing Clubs.
The Club Shop renovations are moving on quickly and are expected to be ready in time for the new season although it will not be until the end of August that the incorporated ticketing facilities will be complete. The work isn't actually being funded by the Club, but by the sub-company of Nike who will also promote their own merchandise, so it proves a tidy little bonus to the Football Club.
Tilson, who was joined by his assistant Paul Brush, informed members that the Club currently have just fourteen professionals signed on but Che Wilson is expected to sign a new two-year deal tomorrow (Thursday), Nicky Nicolau in the next few days and negotiations are still ongoing with Lawrie Dudfield who, despite not calling in for the first day of pre-season training, wishes to stay at the Club and Tilson is hopeful that a deal will be forthcoming, with the two parties not quite agreed on both wages and the length of the deal.
"Jay Smith has returned to training totally injury free" proclaimed Tilson, as he reviewed the progress of another out of contract player. "We have really looked after Jay, and we all want him to stay here as we feel he is a very valuable asset to the Football Club". It is hoped that Smith too will put pen to paper in the coming days.
Ideally, Tilson would like a squad of 19-20 players, and with a new signing expected to be made before the weekend, two wingers in the pipeline as well as the 'six-figure' striker still well within the Clubs grasp, all could be going very well on the playing front. "Should we get our man, I can guarentee all supporters will be very pleased" stated Martin on the Club's target. "He would be a huge coup for this Club". We at TLG have a good idea who the player in question is, but i'm afraid all we are going to say is watch this space!
It was also explained that the Club have brought in three trialists for pre-season training. Serbian defender Nikola Jozic who spent some time with Auxerre last season, Tottenham Hotspur full-back Mark Wright as well as an unamed player from Maldon Town, quite possibly young defender Chris Whelpdale.
Other football matters involved the youth side and in particular the departure of boss Ross Maclaren. "Ross was brilliant for us" said Brush, "However we were not going to stand in his way, he had a good offer from Notts County and we wish him all the best. It has been bad timing for us but we'll be okay"
Tilson stated that he has spoken to a few candidates, but his preferred choice Dean Austin couldn't take up the position as he does not hold the required UEFA 'A' Coaching Licence. It is understood however that an appointment will be made in the next week.
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com