Southend United lifelong fans named in takeover consortium

Justin Rees was the co-founder of Sydney-based company Eighty20 Solutions

Three lifelong Southend United fans have been named as part of the consortium taking over the football club.

Southend announced on Tuesday it had reached an agreement to sell to a group of business people led by Australian Justin Rees.

John Watson, a season ticket holder of 40 years, Gary Lockett and Jason Brown have been revealed as co-owners.

The consortium said the deal was "subject to due diligence".

The consortium said the sale included the purchase of Roots Hall and the new training ground

"We appreciate there are many questions relating to the new ownership group and our plans for the future," said the group, in a statement first reported by the Southend Echo.

The consortium confirmed the takeover included the purchase of Roots Hall stadium and the new training ground at Fossetts Farm.

Who is in the consortium?

• David Kreyling and Tom Arnold are the founders of a sport engagement company with grass roots links in Southend-on-Sea

• Jason Brown is a Hong Kong-based hedge fund manager who grew up in Southend and is a lifelong supporter

• John Watson owns packaging and taxi businesses in the city and is a season ticket holder of 40 years

• Gary Lockett is chairman of the Southend United Community & Educational Trust and member of the Shrimpers Trust supporters' group

• Justin Rees co-founded an IT consultancy in Australia but is based in Europe. He said he was in the crowd when Blues beat Dagenham & Redbridge FC 2-0 earlier this season

The group said the deal was expected to be completed by the end of October.

Head coach Kevin Maher told BBC Essex Sport: "There are still some hurdles to get through, but the things that are being put in place hopefully will bring a positive future for us all."

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The takeover was announced fewer than 24 hours before the club was due at a crunch High Court hearing over unpaid tax.

However, the winding-up petition from HM Revenue and Customs - which threatened to liquidate the club - was withdrawn after confirmation the bill was paid.

Jack Bridge met Blues fans outside Roots Hall on Tuesday

Anna Firth, Conservative MP for Southend West, told BBC Essex she had reminded ministers that the new football regulator needed to make sure clubs "were properly engaging with their fans" - in light of the saga.

An independent regulator is being set up following the failed European Super League attempts and after a series of English clubs collapsed due to financial failings.

"This has been such a long journey and I just couldn't be more delighted," said Ms Firth.