Southend United's soccer stars will play a vital role in strengthening community links around the town next season, Blues chairman John Main revealed today.

The Shrimpers supremo pledged to bring the Third Division side's players and supporters closer together in an effort to attract fans back to Roots Hall.

"Our players have a crucial role to play in making this club successful again - both on and off the pitch," he said.

"Next season the players will help us to cement our links in the community by getting more involved with the supporters, but not just at Roots Hall on match days.

"They will be encouraged to visit local schools, amateur soccer clubs and training camps run by our football in the community scheme.

"If we show our commitment to the people of Southend then I am sure they will repay us by returning to Roots Hall and helping us in our efforts to get this club out of the Third Division."

Main also revealed that fans would get the chance to meet their footballing heroes before selected home games next season.

"Every couple of months the players will walk around the perimeter of the ground to meet with supporters before kick-off," said Main.

"This will give our fans the chance to meet the players, who will be happy to sign autographs, have their photos taken or even have a quick chat.

"Our manager Alan Little has given this scheme his full backing as he is a great believer in community spirit and expects his men to fully play their part in strengthening this bond."

The Southend chief said he had been prompted to arrange special meet-the-player sessions following complaints from unhappy fans.

"I have received many letters from supporters upset that the players did not come back onto the field at the end of our last Roots Hall match of the season against Hartlepool," he said.

"I was just as surprised as everybody else by the players' no-show as I expected them to return to the pitch and thank our fans for their backing throughout another difficult league campaign.

"Not for the first time this year incidents like this make you start thinking of ways to prevent this scenario from happening again. Hopefully we can resolve the problem by bringing the players and fans closer together next season."

Southend United fans will get their chance to meet the Blues at the Shrimpers' Boots and Laces training ground, in Eastern Avenue, on Sunday, July 11.

The open day, which takes place between 10am and 5pm, will give supporters the chance to watch Seasiders boss Alan Little put his players through a training session.

Southend's players will then be available for autographs and photos before the club unveils its new Millennium kit and Sammy the Shrimp mascot.

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