Southend United's joint owner wants to sell the club, a report has revealed.

South Eastern Leisure UK - a joint venture between Delancey Estates and Martin Dawn - has admitted it wants to sell its 76 per cent stake in the troubled football club.

An auditors' report, which details financial accounts from December 18, 1998 to March 31, 2000, states: "The directors are currently seeking to sell the company's interest in Southend United."

In fact, South Eastern Leisure wanted to sell Third Division Blues within a year of buying the club from former chairman Vic Jobson, in November 1998.

The report, which was signed off in April this year, added: "It is intended to dispose of this subsidiary within approximately one year from the date of acquisition."

However, Ron Martin, chairman of Martin Dawn, yesterday (Wednesday) denied he wanted to quit the Blues - although he admitted Delancey Estates would not be around forever.

He said both parties were still firmly committed to Southend's future, which includes a new 16,000 all-seater stadium at Fossetts Farm.

Mr Martin said: "The position is quite clear - Martin Dawn and Delancey are only interested in the longevity of Southend United.

"It is true to say that Delancey are not part of the long-term plan for the football club, they are not here for the duration. But they don't want to turn their back on Southend. Delancey cares for the future of the football club and when the time comes for them to move on, they will only sell to somebody who has the potential to take the club on further."

He added: "As for Martin Dawn, we are fully committed to a successful long-term future for Southend United. We were here at the start before Delancey and that is how things will finish."

Delancey chairman Jamie Ritblat and his deputy Colin Wagman, who is away on holiday, were both unavailable for comment.

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