Blues chief Ron Martin has vowed to reveal fresh plans for a new Southend United stadium.

He said informal talks were under way with Southend Council to find a new home for the Blues.

However, Billericay-based Lansbury also confirmed it was still in negotiations with Southend United's owners, South Eastern Leisure, regarding the future of the Third Division club.

Last September Lansbury claimed it was holding talks with SEL - Blues' joint major shareholders Delancey Estates and Martin Dawn - regarding the relocation of the football team.

Martin Dawn, chaired by Southend director Ron Martin, has been unsuccessful in its attempts to move the Shrimpers to Fossetts Farm in a new 16,000 all-seater ground for the last two years.

However, Lansbury stated that a proposed deal with Delancey would see Southend stay at their Roots Hall home.

However, Ron Martin said a number of options were now being examined by Southend United and Martin Dawn to provide the club with a new stadium in the area.

He added: "We hope we will be able to make a statement on the situation within a few weeks."

Southend's executive councillor for planning, Roger Weaver, said there had been informal discussions over the future of the football club, and he was hopeful there would be news about a major leisure development in the town in the near future.

More on Southend United FC

What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board.

Published Wednesday January 23, 2002