A fighting fund has been set up by football fans to buy Southend United.

Members of the Southend United Supporters Club Trust have issued a rallying call to fans of the seaside team to dig deep and secure its future.

The call for cash follows revelations in the Echo that property developer Delancey Estates, which jointly owns the club with Martin Dawn, may withdraw its financial backing if fans give a vote of no confidence.

Bosses at the Roots Hall-based team are already facing criticism from supporters at the way the club is being run. Find out more about Southend United FC Manager David Webb quit Southend United last week and plans to move to a new multi-million pound stadium at Fossetts Farm in Eastern Avenue, have been put on hold.

Paul Fitzgerald, of the fans trust, said: "Southend United needs all its fans to act now. They can help by either joining the supporters trust or by making a donation to our fighting fund which will be used to obtain a significant stake in the football club."

The trust, which has 750 members, subsidises away travel for fans, sponsors Southend players and purchases necessary equipment for the club.

Mr Fitzgerald added: "When all fans know the seriousness of their club's plight then they have a simple choice.

"Either they can put their hands in their pocket and give a donation to the trust or they can let the club die."

For more information contact Paul Fitzgerald on 01702 478373

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.