The resurrection of Blues' relocation dream was today hailed as a new start for the club.
Southend United director Ron Martin welcomed the news the club's plans for a move to Fossetts Farm are back on track.
Mr Martin's Chelmsford-based company Martin Dawn plc co-owns the Third Division club with fellow property developer Delancey Estates.
The venture partners hope to push on with their proposal to move Blues into a stadium on the Eastern Avenue site, after reaching an agreement with landowners Lansbury.
Mr Martin said: "This is outstanding news for the football club and gives Southend United the chance to look forward to a bright future.
"It has always been our desire to build a new stadium for Blues at Fossetts Farm and this arrangement should help us to progress with our plans.
"The future of the football club at Roots Hall will also be safeguarded as this deal will ensure the club's lease on the ground will be extended, while we work towards a move to Fossetts Farm.
"It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage, but all the parties involved are very satisfied by the outcome.
"I would also like to thank Southend Council as it has, as always, been very supportive of the football club's plans."
Delancey and Lansbury have struck a deal which will allow Southend to stay at Roots Hall for three more years, with a price agreed for Fossetts Farm if Blues gain planning permission for a new stadium.
Delancey and Lansbury were both unavailable for comment.
Published Thursday, December 5, 2002
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