🏆John 🏆

Club Statement Southend United Football Club does not ordinarily comment publicly on matters relating to members of staff, and it is with reluctance that we do so now. However, following a number of social media posts containing inaccurate information, we feel it is necessary to set out the facts. All matchday staff are required to complete safety and security training, in line with the club’s legal and safeguarding responsibilities, including those introduced under Martyn’s Law. To support this, the Club has run a series of help sessions and dedicated drop-in sessions at the stadium, offering one-to-one assistance with the new staff app and online training. For the avoidance of doubt, staff without the app have been able to sign in manually and have not been prevented from working. At a recent cup fixture, reduced attendance and closed stands meant significantly fewer staff were required. Staff not rostered for duty were advised of this in advance, and in line with competition rules, no complimentary tickets were offered. Over the last few days, Club staff have been in regular direct contact with the long-serving member of staff concerned. The Club listened to his concerns, apologised for how he was made to feel on the day, and offered him the opportunity to continue in his role. When he explained that he no longer wished to continue stewarding, the Club offered him a season ticket in recognition of his many years of service, which he has accepted. The conversation ended on positive terms. We have also been in direct contact with the member of staff’s family, who upon recognising the efforts made by the Club to offer a fair and appropriate solution, have deleted their social media posts referring to the matter. We fully understand the strength of feeling when a long-serving member of the Southend United family is involved. However, we now consider this matter closed and ask that the privacy of all those involved is respected.