As a lifelong supporter, my brother Paul and I couldn’t stand by while Southend United faced uncertainty. Our love for the club led us to join COSU (Consortium of Southend United) to ensure its survival. This is our journey with COSU and Southend United, a mission to save the Shrimpers from financial peril.
COSU’s Commitment to Southend United’s Future
Like many supporters, my brother Paul and I were deeply concerned about the future of Southend United. We closely followed developments, grappling with the distressing possibility of its demise. So, when the opportunity to join COSU arose, we eagerly embraced it. On July 19th, under the leadership of Justin Rees, our consortium officially took on the stewardship of the club.
Earlier this year, we engaged with over 1,300 passionate Shrimpers fans at the Cliffs Pavilion to discuss the club’s financial status and future. Despite facing a daunting £2 million shortfall, COSU is committed to achieving financial stability for Southend United within five years. The positive response from fans and local businesses has been incredibly encouraging. Southend United season ticket sales have surged to their highest levels since 2005, alongside increased shirt sales, sponsorships, and matchday revenue.
Improvements at Southend United Under COSU Leadership
Since the takeover by COSU, we have initiated several key improvements aimed at enhancing the fan experience and upgrading Southend United club facilities. These initiatives include installing a new sign welcoming fans to Roots Hall, a new scoreboard, refurbishing the technical area and tunnel, repainting and restocking the club shop, replacing the store door to make it more inviting, repairing the iconic Frank Walton clock, and expanding bar capacity in the West Stand to reduce queues. We are also planning to install a container bar behind the West Stand, pending a liquor license.
Upgraded Facilities Enhance Fan Experience
Additionally, we have installed air conditioning in the East Stand’s Far Post bar and revamped the Blues Legends Lounge to create a more inviting environment for fans. We have introduced Sky Sports across all bars and plan to extend opening hours as soon as possible to encourage fans to spend more time and money at the club.
We are also transitioning to energy-efficient LED floodlights, which are both environmentally friendly and far more cost-effective for Southend United.
Long-Term Growth Plans for COSU and Southend United
A significant initiative currently underway is the reallocation of the North West part of the North Bank to home fans and the restoration of the North West quadrant. This move, deeply rooted in fan sentiment, will provide space for an additional 1,400 supporters. We are working closely with the council and the police to make this a reality.
While these short-term accomplishments are vital, our vision extends to significant medium- to long-term projects. We are planning to build a Fan Zone and enhance the West and South Stands, which may lead to the redevelopment of the East Stand. These ambitious projects will require substantial investment and strategic planning. To ensure supporters have a voice in the club’s future, we will form a Fan Advisory Board to actively gather input and feedback.
On the Sporting Front: New Developments at Southend United
On the sporting front, we have established a new training ground at Fossetts, now regularly used by the first team. This investment marks the beginning of further developments at the site, with plans to install nine cabins, aiming for a fully operational facility by early 2025.
This is just the start of our work with COSU and Southend United, and we are confident that with hard work, dedication, and the incredible support of the fans, the future is bright for the Shrimpers!