Former Southend United and Chelmsford City player Ron Pountney is to benefit from a testimonial match against newly promoted Premiership side Charlton Athletic at Southend United's Roots Hall ground on Tuesday, August 1.

The former Southend favourite, who made 403 appearances for the club over 11 seasons, had been due a testimonial against West Ham United everal years ago, but this never came to fruition due to a fixture clash. Attempts to revive the match in 1998 also came to nothing.

Now, 14 years after leaving Roots Hall, Ron is about to get his reward for his service to the club.

During his time at Southend, Pountney scored 35 goals and is the fourth highest in the club's appearances league.

He joined Southend for £1,000 from non-league Bilston in 1975, although he had played one league game for Walsall previously.

He was signed by Arthur Rowley, and was an ever present in the following manager, Dave Smith's, line-ups.

A hard working and skilful midfielder, Pountney was Southend's player of the year on three occasions - still a club record.

He joined Chelmsford City on a free transfer at the end of the 1984/5 season after realising he did not fit in with new Roots Hall manager Bobby Moore's plans.

Pountney later went on to play for other Essex and Kent clubs, including Basildon, and now runs his own painting and decorating business.

For further details of the testimonial game, telephone press officer Derek Murr on 01245 467923 or 0378 620280

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