GET READY TO ROCK & ROLL?
Hollywood star linked in United takeover
SOUTHEND United fans could soon be put out of their misery after it emerged a group of businessmen are in advanced talks to buy the club.
Under-fire Blues chairman Ron Martin has held discussions with the group which includes Simon Jackson, sonin-law of Maldon & Tiptree’s former England manager Peter Taylor, and Kristofer Tremaine from Kimura Capital, an investment and asset management company.
Integral Sports Management – who were co-founded by actor Ray Winstone – are also part of the bid and Winstone could get a place on the board if the offer is accepted.
Remarkably, the group have also spoken to Hollywood A lister Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson.
And it is understood Johnson’s production company, Seven Bucks Productions, are interested in making a documentary on the National League club should the takeover be confirmed.
The group are keen to purchase the club and also want to take over plans to build a new stadium at Fossetts Farm, something which has stalled for several seasons.
Veteran financier Laurie Pinto, who helped broker the Glazers’ takeover of Manchester United, has also been involved with the group.
Controversial chairman Martin put the Shrimpers up for sale in March after 25 years in charge.
Martin has struggled to finance the club in recent seasons with staff paid late on regular occasions.
Some of the full-time office staff are still waiting for their salaries for both March and April while the Shrimpers have also been under a transfer embargo since September due to money owed to HMRC.
The club have until July 12 to pay off an outstanding tax bill of £250,000 after surviving another winding up petition earlier this month.
News of the possible takeover has been welcomed by the club’s long-suffering supporters who have continued to protest against Martin both at Southend matches and outside his house.
But a statement from the Shrimpers said three parties were interested in buying the club.
It said: “Following recent speculation surrounding the sale of the club, we can confirm that Non Disclosure Agreements with three interested parties and Heads of Terms have been issued.
“However, at this time, none of the interested parties have been granted a period of exclusivity.”