MP urges National League to reconsider Southend United sanctions
Southend West MP Anna Firth says "The ongoing embargo on transfers is not allowing Southend the same rights afforded to their competitors."
Following a challenging weekend for Southend United, MP Anna Firth has issued a comprehensive update on the ongoing efforts to support the football team.
"I understand the frustration felt by fans at the lack of updates, and I want to reassure you that work is ongoing behind the scenes," said Ms. Firth.
"All parties remain 100% committed to completing the deal as soon as practical."
Ms. Firth's commitment extends to active engagement with Cllr. Tony Cox, the Leader of Southend Council. "I have been in constant contact with Cllr. Tony Cox since Thursday, and I am confident that the Council is doing everything within their power to progress the deal," stated Ms. Firth.
The MP underscored the collaborative efforts, saying, "Cllr. Cox and I remain in contact with Mr. Rees and Mr. Martin, and I am confident that the deal is close." Despite optimism in negotiations, Ms Firth did not overlook the disconcerting events on the pitch during Saturday's match.
In a letter to the national league she's outlined how a transfer embargo is damaging the club's players and it's future prospects.
"What happened on the pitch on Saturday is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue," Ms. Firth affirmed. Fans, echoing the sentiment, reportedly approached the MP during the game, describing it as the "hardest half an hour of football they had ever watched."
Taking matters into her own hands, Ms. Firth revealed, "Yesterday, I wrote to Mark Ives, the General Manager of the National League, to encourage them to engage with me and the football club to re-examine the current situation and work towards a compromise that does not disproportionately affect the players, fans, or coaches."
Ms. Firth's intervention comes at a pivotal stage for Southend United, currently navigating uncertainties about the club's sale off the pitch and grappling with on-field injury crisis.
In her letter to Mark Ives, the General Manager of the National League, Ms. Firth underscores the critical need for a reassessment of the current sanctions, stating, "What happened on the pitch on Saturday is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue."
Ms. Firth is keen on emphasizing the disproportionate impact felt by fans, players, management, and club staff, urging the National League to re-evaluate these restrictions: "The ongoing embargo on transfers and registrations is compounding the situation and not allowing Southend the same rights afforded to their competitors."