Southend United fans on 'rollercoaster' journey

Sarah-Jane Marcello and her dad Jim Harris at Roots Hall

Southend United fans have spoken of a "rollercoaster" of emotions after their club was ordered to pay a £1m bond to prove it can fulfil next season's fixtures.

On Monday evening, the National League announced that it expected the Shrimpers to meet its demand.

A statement from the league said it was concerned about the Shrimpers' "ability to fulfil its financial obligations" for the 2024-25 season.

Southend has said it would "consider appropriate steps over the forthcoming days" to protect the club’s position pending the sale to consortium COSU (Custodian of Southend United)."

Should Southend fail to post the bond, the league said it would consider "further sanctions".

Fans have spoken of their feelings following the latest twist in the long-running saga over the future of their club.

Sarah-Jane Marcello from Leigh-on-Sea said: "I feel like I am a on a rollercoaster to be honest with you.

"The last 12 hours have been insane.

"Last night I thought we were done for, I thought the club was down and out.

"It just means so much for so many people and it can't go."

Martin Roger from Thurrock said he still feels hopeful for the club

Martin Roger from Thurrock said he could understand why the bond demand had been made.

"We have been a basket case ever since we've arrived in the league.

"I can completely understand it from their point of view because we might not complete the season, we nearly didn't last year," he said.

Chris Jones says the ongoing situations needs to be resolved.

The club also faces a winding-up hearing at court on Wednesday.

Chris Jones from Rayleigh said: "The National League has brought more pressure to make this happen.

"They have to go to court with a done deal because otherwise the club will be wound up.

"It has to be dragging on.. and I think it needs to come to a head to be fair. It is dreadful, it's awful."