Ron Martin: 'Knows their is a lot of unrest amongst the supporter base'
Shrimpers supremo Ron Martin's first two efforts had mixed reviews but he's back for a third and has even promised more in the future!
As he tells us, 'I'm usually in on a Saturday.'
This time he was quizzed, asked politely, about the new stadium in these current tough times and insists; "it's not a myth."
As expected, and as usual from Uncle Ron, there wasn't much he hasn't said before, however:
1) 'It's a hugely complex issue. Moved mountians to get where we are.'
2) The first spade dug in the ground?; 'When we've completed the contract with the contractor, our obligations move to him and he can start work.'
'Will not give date.' (So forget July!) However; 'holdings will be up within the month', with advertising!
3) At least 20 months of work, when started, so the plans to open in the middle of the 2011/12 season are moved on to the start of the next, hopefully July 2012, so Kevin Maher and his testimonial will have to wait a touch longer, hope you can afford it Kev.
4) This is a joint Sainsbury's/Southend United deal. After the banks decided not to lend out any money anymore Ron turned to Sainsbury's and 'linking up with Sainsbury's bank is a typical arrangement.'
5) Last thing Sainsbury's want is involvement with a football club. They get their store and 'we'll get the football stadium.'
6) Ron 'knows their is a lot of unrest amongst the supporter base', but he is 'driven to succeed', and 'we know what our task is and we will deliver.'
And that was that, and at least he didn't mention Exeter, for now.
Might have got the odd word out of place, for that apologies to any parties involved, and for the interview in full, go here:
www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~2083742,00.html