Southend United's chief executive Peter Storrie has parted company with the struggling Third Division club after less than a year.

Storrie, who joined Blues last July after leaving the Shrimpers' Premiership neighbours West Ham, resigned by mutual agreement following discussions with the Roots Hall outfit's major shareholder Ron Martin and chairman John Main.

In a brief statement, Storrie, who was paid a staggering £120,000 salary for his brief stint on the Essex coast, explained why he is leaving the cash-strapped Seasiders.

Blues are reportedly losing £125,000 per month and Storrie said: "The continued trading losses clearly mean that Southend United Football Club cannot support a full time chief executive and chairman.

"So in the interests of the future of the club I have decided to resign and move on to a new stage in my career."

However, Storrie, who will honour the remainder of his contract which expires on July 31, pleaded with Southend fans to continue supporting their ailing club.

"I would urge all supporters to attend as many matches as possible next season, bringing a friend to help the much needed income of the club," he added.

"I would also like to thank all of the club's staff for their hard work over the past season and the board of directors, with whom I have enjoyed working.

"And finally I would like to wish Southend United and all of its supporters every success for the future."

Blues supremos Martin and Main were unavailable for comment, minimising their goodbyes to a few lines in an official club statement, which said: "We much appreciate the work that Mr Storrie carried out for Southend United during the period of his appointment.

"And we feel sure that he will succeed in whatever position he chooses to take up. We wish him well for the future."

Storrie joined Blues following a long stint at West Ham, where he was both chief executive and director of football, but his immediate future is uncertain.

His contract was up for renewal at the end of next month, with Southend having the option to extend his stay at Roots Hall, which they have declined to exercise.

Earlier this week, we revealed that the former Upton Park boss was chasing the vacant chief executive post at Essex County Cricket Club.

However, it is highly unlikely that he has been offered a role with the Chelmsford-based side just yet, as the County Ground hierarchy are still interviewing candidates for the job.

Resigned - Peter Storrie

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