the shrimpers’ revival: how fans are shaping southend’s comeback

Fair Game’s Steven Piper takes a closer look at the comings and goings at Roots Hall

SOUTHEND UNITED’S recent history has been marked by financial uncertainty, fractured ownership, and deep concern from its loyal fanbase. Mike Paterson, a Shrimpers Trust board member and lifelong supporter since 1965, has witnessed the club’s challenges over decades, including the recent consortium takeover that offers cautious hope.

The club’s stadium, Roots Hall, was originally gifted to Southend in the post-war period. However, in 1998, the club was bought by Ron Martin, who separated the stadium from the club’s ownership. This move, designed to leverage other business assets, saddled the club with debt and initiated a prolonged period of decline. Martin’s stewardship also included the gradual rundown of Roots Hall, pushing towards a costly move to a new stadium, a process fraught with controversy and setbacks.

Describing the ownership situation, Mike reflects, “Rogue ownership – a slow drip feed of decline and then some rapid decline.” He adds, “Every time we attend, the stadium is a living testimony of ownership failure.”

The impact of these decisions has deeply affected the community. Mike highlights the club’s importance, stating, “The club should be part of the community. It is the heart of the community for many, though previous ownership has made it difficult to reach out to the wider community, which is changing via a foundation.” He notes that while the club’s community influence has diminished, “Labour MPs have been very supportive.”

Supporters have actively mobilised in response to the crisis. Protests, including symbolic actions like throwing rats onto the pitch, have drawn attention to frustrations with ownership. The Shrimpers Trust has been instrumental in representing fan interests, lobbying for accountability, and supporting efforts to secure more stable governance.

The consortium’s recent takeover is seen as a potential turning point, though fans remain vigilant. The split between club and stadium ownership continues to pose challenges, and financial sustainability is a key concern. However, there is cautious optimism that a new era of stability is possible if accountability remains a priority.

The wider community has experienced the ripple effects of the club’s difficulties. Football clubs often serve as community hubs, and Southend’s struggles have diminished its influence locally. This decline has reinforced calls for stronger engagement and support mechanisms.

Governance and regulation remain critical issues. Southend’s situation has been raised in Parliament, highlighting the need for more effective oversight of football club ownership. Mike emphasises the importance of regulation, saying, “I’m in favour of a regulator and it is required. It must be independent, truly independent, and needs credibility from the start.” He advocates for “tighter and more robust Owners’ and Directors’ tests, with more regular scrutiny, more control over separation of assets, and a fairer financial flow of monies down the pyramid.”

Mike also stresses that “fans should not suffer for the transgressions of ownership,” noting that “academy funds, for example, are not provided if you drop out of the EFL.” He urges that the Football Governance Bill “needs to be fully embraced by the clubs as well as the fans.”

Southend’s experience underscores the precarious position of many lower-league clubs navigating financial pressures and ownership disputes. The growing strength of Supporters’ Trusts and ongoing calls for reform offer hope that football clubs can once again become sustainable, community-centred institutions.

This article is part of a special series highlighting the voices of fans, clubs, and communities at the very time the Football Governance Bill is making its way through Parliament.