Pre-Match Thread HMRC v SUFC - FINAL hearing on 1st March. DISMISSED

[E for B and Billy Best]

which will only be given by me and about five others on SZ.

There's a reason for that!

 

[Petejames]

Players have now been told by Ron they won't be paid until after 1 march earliest and he still needs to arrange some money to even do that. It's a different message to what he told them 2 weeks ago. Obviously their unhappy and heads have gone down.
He's told them he's always been successful against hmrc so he feels he can be again.
He also glibly advised them that should any take legal action he would of course win!!!
I understand transfer requests can now be sent in.
Lapota is injured and unsurprisingly so is hyde. No date for a scan for a Lapota for obvious reasons but doesn't sound a quick thing.
Collin and steeeeve are still only training with no minutes so don't expect to see either to soon.
I wish I had better news to offer.
If we let in the first goal it will take monumental character to draw or win. If we grab the first, there's a chance.
Come on you blues

Heads definitely were not down tonight especially second half

 

[getintoem]

I suspect there may have been quite a few phone calls to players' agents after the meeting with Martin and it's exactly what I would have done in their position. I'm a pretty laid back individual and it takes a lot to make me really angry but reading ITK's post about that meeting has raised my blood pressure no end. I have the utmost respect for Kev, the players, coaches and admin staff and I wouldn't blame any of them if they walked out tomorrow. I think we now need a divine intervention to save our club.

 

[hlane17]

He is. Weapons-grade.

He's morally bankrupt and I genuinely don't know how he sleeps at night.

His position is untenable, imo, whatever happens on 1st March.

If we somehow see ourselves past the 1st March, the protests against said **** whose name I shall not utter, should be ramping up even more.

 

[Grayson]

I have always been quite pragmatic about things, against how RM runs the club but believing his interests and ours were aligned and we are stuck with him.

Whilst that remains the case, I am fully with those protesting and making his life uncomfortable. Like others have said, the information that came out today made my blood boil. None of the people affected deserve this.

I still cannot see how we remove him but we absolutely must try.

 

[KiwiRob]

Players have now been told by Ron they won't be paid until after 1 march earliest and he still needs to arrange some money to even do that. It's a different message to what he told them 2 weeks ago. Obviously their unhappy and heads have gone down.
He's told them he's always been successful against hmrc so he feels he can be again.
He also glibly advised them that should any take legal action he would of course win!!!
I understand transfer requests can now be sent in.
Lapota is injured and unsurprisingly so is hyde. No date for a scan for a Lapota for obvious reasons but doesn't sound a quick thing.
Collin and steeeeve are still only training with no minutes so don't expect to see either to soon.
I wish I had better news to offer.
If we let in the first goal it will take monumental character to draw or win. If we grab the first, there's a chance.
Come on you blues

If that is true, Frank Van Wezel, Gary Lockett and the other Directors of the club need to intervene now. The players and the staff need to be paid immediately before there is a mass exodus of both. How the Board with its collection of deep pockets have tolerated the situation up to now is beyond belief. But the Board must now do the decent thing and protect the interests of the club and all its staff.

 

[ColinMorrisWalksOnWater]

certainly Gus was very upbeat, much more so on the clubs prospects than I expected him to be. Hoping that is some sort of positive indicator, God knows we could do with something to grasp hold of!

 

[shrimperjon]

certainly Gus was very upbeat, much more so on the clubs prospects than I expected him to be. Hoping that is some sort of positive indicator, God knows we could do with something to grasp hold of!

Was a great interview and not one that sounded like a player not paid. Just talked about how privileged he was to be playing football for a living, the closeness of the group and togetherness as a whole with management. It was a brilliant listen and full credit to Gus who sounded like he was living the dream rather than clearly a nightmare

 

[* ORM *]

There are far too many rumours and opinions on here that are being stated, or taken, as facts. The only fact I’ve had confirmed in the last 24 hours is that we won again.

 

[fbm]

I still cannot see how we remove him but we absolutely must trtry.

I know this is going to be very unpopular and I've donned my helmet and flak jacket in readiness. But no, removing him at this stage would in my opinion be absolutely the wrong thing and would kill the club.
I'm all for making things uncomfortable and bringing national attention to issues like non payment of wages. I read on here statements like "His position is untenable". Look, his position it's that it is his club, he's not an elected MP or Councillor, if he hands his notice in, who does he give it to? Himself! It's not going to happen.
He isn't going to step down at this delicate stage and it's a complete waste of time focusing energy on trying to remove him.
If there is a chant we want to all get behind, rather than just W block and a few others, how about "Pay the staff" or something that actually could be achieved?
Once this is all done, my guess is he'll go of his own volition, but if we want to unify the fan base now, then pick something like the running of the club to focus on rather than something that is not possible.
I've read on here how Brighton, for instance, have done marvellously under their new ownership but - whilst it's not quite the same as in our situation - people need to read a bit about their history in the 1990s and how their original home, The Golstone Ground, was sold off. For years they ground shared until the Amex was built.
After the sale, the fans protested like mad - I remember it all over the news - and eventually the owners, William Archer, David Bellotti and Greg Stanley, sold the club to a consortium. But that was when all that existed was a club and it still took a few years.
There is an article here about Greg Stanley, parts of which could also apply to Ron Martin actually.
But at this particular point in time, the fans wanting Martin out are hamnering on the wrong door. That time will come, and if he delivers FF and the club is on a level playing field, THEN start the "Martin Out" protests. I would imagine we will all be behind them at that point.

Former Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Greg Stanley dies

The much-reviled former chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion, Greg Stanley, has died at the age of 75. Along with

www.brightonandhovenews.org

 

[euroshrimper]

I'm overseas at the moment but still addicted to catching up with Shrimperzone twice a day, even my wife now asks me what is going on today........
Well done the lads for the win last night under what must be very difficult circumstances, proud of the team, squad, management team and loyal staff and I'm very proud to be a "Shrimper.
I cannot believe what was reported to have been said at the meeting with the players yesterday.........Oh just a minute silly me yes I can as it was the chief knob head addressing the team. Words escape me........ I despise you Sir for what you have done to the club I and so many others love, still greed must drive you on I guess but perhaps if one day you get your millions you may realise that wealth is not everything........UTBlues

 

[Medway Blue]

I know this is going to be very unpopular and I've donned my helmet and flak jacket in readiness. But no, removing him at this stage would in my opinion be absolutely the wrong thing and would kill the club.
I'm all for making things uncomfortable and bringing national attention to issues like non payment of wages. I read on here statements like "His position is untenable". Look, his position it's that it is his club, he's not an elected MP or Councillor, if he hands his notice in, who does he give it to? Himself! It's not going to happen.
He isn't going to step down at this delicate stage and it's a complete waste of time focusing energy on trying to remove him.
If there is a chant we want to all get behind, rather than just W block and a few others, how about "Pay the staff" or something that actually could be achieved?
Once this is all done, my guess is he'll go of his own volition, but if we want to unify the fan base now, then pick something like the running of the club to focus on rather than something that is not possible.
I've read on here how Brighton, for instance, have done marvellously under their new ownership but - whilst it's not quite the same as in our situation - people need to read a bit about their history in the 1990s and how their original home, The Golstone Ground, was sold off. For years they ground shared until the Amex was built.
After the sale, the fans protested like mad - I remember it all over the news - and eventually the owners, William Archer, David Bellotti and Greg Stanley, sold the club to a consortium. But that was when all that existed was a club and it still took a few years.
There is an article here about Greg Stanley, parts of which could also apply to Ron Martin actually.
But at this particular point in time, the fans wanting Martin out are hamnering on the wrong door. That time will come, and if he delivers FF and the club is on a level playing field, THEN start the "Martin Out" protests. I would imagine we will all be behind them at that point.

Former Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Greg Stanley dies

The much-reviled former chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion, Greg Stanley, has died at the age of 75. Along with

www.brightonandhovenews.org

Completely understand where you're coming from but, as you can imagine, respectfully disagree!

I'll be one of the posters you've probably seen use the phrase "his position is untenable". I stand by it. Doesn't mean he agrees or will act on it of course, but it's true.

He's not going to forcibly removed without something or someone else in place, but I believe a small chink may have recently appeared in his previously impenetrable armour, and that he may willingly consider discussions with potential buyers at the very least. Part of that will be the pressure he's under. So I don't think "Martin Out" will kill the club and I think the screw should continue to be tightened. I don't think him moving on sooner rather than later is as close to impossible as previously thought, nor that we're "banging on the wrong door", and my view that his position is untenable makes protesting against the running of the club pointless - I've no faith that he'll never run the club properly. I actually think that's less likely than him finding a mutually beneficial agreement with somebody else to relieve himself of the football club. And even if he suddenly did start running the club properly, my opinion will never change - there is no redemption or coming back from this for him.

Quite aside from all that, I don't know how anybody can conceivably take potentially another 5 years of his ownership. He doesn't need to retain ownership of the club to deliver Fossetts and the club doesn't need to be under his ownership to achieve self-sufficiency. I firmly believe it's his ego alone which is telling him otherwise, but we need to chip away at that because I can't just shrug my shoulders and say "ah, he'll go in 5 years once Fossetts is complete". I literally can't take another 5 years of him.

 

[Linda Loan Shark]

Southend United: Fans fear future without football club

A winding-up hearing is expected to take place on 1 March over an unpaid HMRC debt.

www.google.co.uk

Won't they struggle when we move to Fossetts farm?

 

[tommy tucker]

The situation is this Evryone wants Ron to go .Ron wants to go ..But he wont go anywhere untill the last brick is in place in fossetts .All this crao talk that ron is only in it to sll for houses alone and no stadium is just that crap talk .I have had some vey sad news yesterday .So i dont need any of you slagging me off because i dont agree with what pepole are saying .One of my closes mates knows the grief i am suffering at present .So at the end of the day I really hope god willing SOUTHEND UNITED will survive .

 

[Colchester and proud!]

Southend United: Fans fear future without football club

A winding-up hearing is expected to take place on 1 March over an unpaid HMRC debt.

www.google.co.uk

Won't they struggle when we move to Fossetts farm?

Quite likely, the Drury pub on the corner of Layer Road the scene of many a prematch pint and endless footy trouble over the years is now a Sainsbury's Local!

 

[Shrimper]

Southend United: Fans fear future without football club

A winding-up hearing is expected to take place on 1 March over an unpaid HMRC debt.

www.google.co.uk

Won't they struggle when we move to Fossetts farm?

Not neccessarily. Anyone coming from Prittlewell could still pop in for a pint before walking to the game

 

[Medway Blue]

Southend United: Fans fear future without football club

A winding-up hearing is expected to take place on 1 March over an unpaid HMRC debt.

www.google.co.uk

Won't they struggle when we move to Fossetts farm?

Quite likely, the Drury pub on the corner of Layer Road the scene of many a prematch pint and endless footy trouble over the years is now a Sainsbury's Local!

I think they might retain some football custom, you know. Although it's in the opposite direction to Fossetts, the pub is close to Prittlewell Station which will still be heavily used by football goers, and it'll be on bus/walking routes from the city centre. Plus it's only a 1 mile and 20 minute walk from Fossetts, as opposed to a 4 miles and 1hr20mins walk from the former Layer Road to the Jobserve Community Stadium which would definitely have rendered The Drury useless to football fans!

 

[Supershrimper]

I was talking about this with my non-footballing friend recently and he made a very good point - Ron is the kid at lunchtimes with the only ball in the school.

Basically Ron owns the ball and brings it to school, and allows others to play with it (using his rules) at break times. Ultimately its Ron's ball, and whilst we like to think we have a say in how we should play with it at break times (setting up groups and trusts) what Ron says goes.

You can try and buy the ball off Ron and then once you own it tell him to clear off, but unless he decides to sell there is nothing you can do apart from put up with his rules and tempers when things don't go his way.

We are waiting for someone to either buy the ball from Ron so we get a nicer person that plays with us (no guarantee), the teacher confiscates the ball (Judge winds the club up) and someone brings in a new ball to play with (Phoenix Club) or someone goes out and buys a ball and we all play with that one leaving Ron all alone (Support another club)

Very basic analogy but quite apt.

 

[sufc4life21]

Call me impatient but I want Ron gone today, whether that's him accepting outside investment with him not majority share holder of sufc or gone completely, either 1 will do. This man is really giving Steve Dale run for his money for worst football owners in football history. Why bloudy he'll would I be happy to wait for him to get his **** together, he had over 20s to do that...... the guy a joke! In reality he should be banned from football. I want this club progressing with hope of brighter future. Currently we have neither with this man incharge.

 

[fbm]

Completely understand where you're coming from but, as you can imagine, respectfully disagree!

I'll be one of the posters you've probably seen use the phrase "his position is untenable". I stand by it. Doesn't mean he agrees or will act on it of course, but it's true.

He's not going to forcibly removed without something or someone else in place, but I believe a small chink may have recently appeared in his previously impenetrable armour, and that he may willingly consider discussions with potential buyers at the very least. Part of that will be the pressure he's under. So I don't think "Martin Out" will kill the club and I think the screw should continue to be tightened. I don't think him moving on sooner rather than later is as close to impossible as previously thought, nor that we're "banging on the wrong door", and my view that his position is untenable makes protesting against the running of the club pointless - I've no faith that he'll never run the club properly. I actually think that's less likely than him finding a mutually beneficial agreement with somebody else to relieve himself of the football club. And even if he suddenly did start running the club properly, my opinion will never change - there is no redemption or coming back from this for him.

Quite aside from all that, I don't know how anybody can conceivably take potentially another 5 years of his ownership. He doesn't need to retain ownership of the club to deliver Fossetts and the club doesn't need to be under his ownership to achieve self-sufficiency. I firmly believe it's his ego alone which is telling him otherwise, but we need to chip away at that because I can't just shrug my shoulders and say "ah, he'll go in 5 years once Fossetts is complete". I literally can't take another 5 years of him.

Thank you for respectfully disagreeing and putting your points across. I see the art of reasonable and proper debate is not dead yet - other posters, take note please. A great response from @Medway Blue, even if it differs from my own view. And that's fine.

Which is the point of opinion... we all think we're right until persuaded or shown otherwise.

I totally understand the viewpoint and I don't actually disagree with most of it. I think it's the method of how we get there I'm at odds with. I just feel that if the main focus was on something like paying the staff - which actually seems to be the thing that people are the most cheesed off about - there would be a lot more enthusiasm and traction for the cause.

I don't see the same chink in Ron's armour I'm afraid and haven't interpreted his statements in the same way as you (unless I've missed something, which is quite possible). But I cannot believe that Ron would be so, so brazen as to just take this club to the brink with absolutely no plan B. Aside from anything else, everyone knows where he lives. That is not an incitement to violence and I would absolutely not support it by the way, but can you imagine? It would be horrific.

It's going to be a very, very difficult two weeks.

Oh, and I think there should be a third option on the poll - adjourned. Because I think it will be (even though it's been marked "Final").