Southend United chairman John Main has called on the town and its football supporters to get behind the Third Division club this season - starting with the Roots Hall curtain raiser against Plymouth on Saturday.

The Blues supremo is settling into his First full campaign in charge and hopes to reward the Shrimpers' success-starved fans with some long overdue success this year.

"Southend United have had a miserable last couple of seasons and their supporters have had to suffer the agony of watching their team disintegrate in front of their eyes as they have tumbled down the divisions," said Main.

"But I'm very optimistic about our future and I'm sure it won't be long before our fans are deservedly rewarded for their loyalty."

Main also firmly believes that Southend manager Alan Little has the ability to breathe new life into the Seasiders' flagging fortunes.

"Alan is a former Southend player and he shares the same passion and future vision as I do for this club," explained Main.

"He is desperate to succeed here and I'm confident that he will by turning things round for us on the pitch.

"I brought Alan to Roots Hall as manager because I wanted stability and I knew he was committed to this club long term in which time I will make sure he gets every assistance in making Southend United successful again."

Main also spoke excitedly about the rest of his three pronged "dream team", which is completed by the two Peters - newly appointed chief executive Peter Storrie and director of youth Peter Trevivian.

"Both of these men have got a major role to play in the future of Southend United," added Main.

"Peter Storrie's contacts and commercial knowledge in football are second to none and I'm sure he will prove an invaluable asset to us as we strive to rebuild this club.

"To beat off stiff competition from a host of Premier League, First Division and foreign sides for Peter's signature was a massive coup for us and I'm sure he will prove his value in the months ahead.

"Peter Trevivian is just as valuable in his field and is widely respected as one of the top youth coaches in the game.

"I think people will have seen in our pre-season games that youth will always get a chance at Roots Hall.

"Youngsters we have produced like defender Garry Cross, forward Yemi Abiodun and midfielder Leon Johnson have shown up well in these matches and shown what we are trying to achieve here."

Finally, Main pleaded with the people of Southend to get behind their football team and back the Blues to promotion.

"Our goal is to take Southend back into the First Division playing in a brand new stadium, but we need to get out of the Third Division first," he said.

"Our fans were first class last year and the crowds we attracted during such a depressing season underlined the massive potential we have here.

"But I know there's even more supporters out there and if they come back then I'm sure that together we can fulfill all of our ambitions."

Optimistic - John Main

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