Ron Martin made the announcement to the official club website and through the SMS service to fans, stating that:
“The results throughout the period of Mr Wignall’s management have been poor. The Board have been patient, and whilst I have listened to Mr Wignall’s reasoning I did not see the passion in his eyes. I am sure Steve Wignall was committed to the Club’s success however if the season continues over the next month as it has over the past three months then this year will be effectively over. The Board consider it prudent to act now and breathe new life into what we consider a good squad of players but which in our view has lacked the motivation to achieve consistently good performances.”
Wignall’s tenure at Roots Hall has seen the club rooted in 21st position, level on points with the team that are 23rd and in the relegation zone. Three times in the current campaign Blues have slipped to second-bottom in the Football League, the worst position in the post-War period. However, signs were starting to look promising, despite the defeat to Northampton Town on Saturday, which was the fourth consecutive Third Division loss at home. Away the side looked better, after creating a club record thirteen straight defeats they are now unbeaten in four, with two wins.
Three times former chief David Webb has been appointed in a caretaker role for tomorrow night’s LDV Vans Trophy second round tie at the Vetch Field against Swansea City, and may remain in place on Sunday, when United tackle local rivals Canvey Island in the first round of the F.A. Cup at home.
The early favourites for the position on a permanent basis are similar to those who were mooted in April when Rob Newman was sacked – Paul Clark and Steve Thompson have both done the job before with some success, whilst the likes of Don MacKay and Steve Whitton have yet to find a new job.
We at The Little Gazette would like to thank Steve Wignall for his services to Southend United Football Club, and wish him all the best for the future.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com