490 days, 490 days since being put up for sale, we are finally sold.
A day that many never thought would come, but we are so thankful it has.
Spare a thought for those Shrimpers that have passed away during this whole sorry saga. They never got to see this bright new future we are going to have, they never got to celebrate with us all tonight by raising a glass to COSU.
The news broke as I picked up my eldest from pre-school, but I knew what was coming. The players were in a meeting this afternoon and were told this news before it went public, and rightly so. I believe staff were included too. I hope they get their bonus, but the only chance of that happening is from COSU.
I’m thankful that the people I speak to, not just in the club, never believed this would ever be the end. The countless “final” court appearances, embargoes, point deductions and being literally minutes away from being booted out. Rightly or wrongly, they have always displayed confidence to me, so I haven’t felt some of the things you’ve all felt, but what a sense of relief now it’s done.
Over 1,000 season tickets sold already, which must be a record for how quick they’ve gone. I expect a very good up take on the shirts too.
There are so many to thank in all this. Stan Collymore, Tom Lawrence, Kev Maher, Mark Bentley, Darren Currie (and the other backroom staff), the players (even those that have moved on), and of course COSU. Obviously there are people I’ve forgotten too.
I wish I was in the Railway tonight, or even in the Roots Hall car park earlier. Unfortunately, I’m in the middle of trying to get kids to sleep. One down, the youngest to go.
I’ve got some beers in the fridge that I can’t wait to get open, once I’ve got my youngest to sleep.
Enjoy the evening everyone. This is just the start.