Rob Newman - 'If they don't sign, I won't play them'

Rob Newman joined the Board at the table to answer questions from the floor.

The meeting in the New Shrimpers Bar was actually one of the shortest many people can remember, but bearing in mind the last AGM was only three months previously, it's fully understandable that there wasn't quite as much to debate as perhaps there could have been.

There were three members of the Board up for re-election, Michael Markscheffel, Ron Martin and Ray Osborne.

Markscheffel had few problems, recieving only two votes against his name whilst Martin, who is increasing in popularity amongst Southend supporters, was re-elected without a single objection.
Osborne however, despite only recieving four votes against his re-election, couldn't find a seconder amongst the shareholders and Deputy Chairman Geoff King was forced to second.
Accoutants Deloitte and Touche were also re-elected with no votes against, but a vary small percentage of the shareholders present actually cast a vote.

Once these formal matters were out of the way the floor was thrown open to questions, with the first being directed at Ron Martin, regarding the winding-up order against Martin Dawn. Martin claimed that this would have no effect on the Football Club as it simply 'will not happen'. Martin didn't specify why he is so confident, but convinced Shareholders that they have nothing to fear, claiming it to be 'irrelevant to Southend United' anyhow and that he's just 'letting the Press follow'.

Martin contiuned to say that 'financially this Club has done well in the last year.

Ron Martin tried to assure shareholders of a positive future for Southend United

It doesn't satisfy me, but it's been good'. King chipped in to say that the 'Break Even point is always the hope for the forthcoming year, but I can't see it, the loss should be similar to this year'

Martin claimed that the admission prices will be kept the same next season as they are now, but the Club will be providing for incentives for their younger supporters next season, Martin, who left mid way through the meeting due to another engagement, also said that 'this could could fly in the second division but it won't make a profit in the third division'.

Regarding the purchase of new players Martin said that if Rob Newman approached the Board wishing to sign players such as Steven Clark that the money would be made available but the Club wouldn't be able to afford players in the region of £100,000 or more.

From here on it was Manager Rob Newman who did all the talking, firstly speaking of the contracts he has offered some of his playing staff admitting that 'there's five that I've not spoken to, myself and the Chairman (King) spoke to the others two weeks ago to give them time to digest what's been offered, the deals are worthy of a third division footballer', Newman went on to say 'I want a commitment - I'm committed, the Board are committed and I hope the supporters are committed. If these players don't sign I won't play them, well, I'll have to play some of them but I'm not having them just playing the season out here, I'll give other players their chance, your Kerrigan's, your Szmid's and your Forbes''

Just seven of Newman's playing staff are guarenteed to still be at Roots Hall next season and he says that he aims to have twenty players who are all good enough to realistically challenge for a first team place next season.

At the end of the evening, with the all drinks at the Bar free of charge, shareholders and directors took the opportunity to 'mingle' and I think mant people will look back at a positive evening.

Mark Wallis

www.thelittlegazette.com