Ron Martin kneecapped over debts

Southend Chairman Ron Martin was yesterday forced to issue a statement in response to growing rumours circulating around South East Essex.

The news emerged after Martin, 57, admitted providing a statement at Rayleigh Police Station following what he described as an "incident".

During the statement Martin confirmed that he had operations on both knees during the last month, for reasons that were described as "necessary as a direct result" of his "commitment to sport over many years".

This is believed to be a thinly veiled reference to his financial commitments in Southend United over the last 12 years.

Whilst Martin has been reluctant to comment on the League Two club's financial difficulties, it has been common knowledge that the club has been in a precarious financial situation. Faced with not one, but two winding up orders over the last season, Chairman Martin was forced to arrange some desperate last minute loans (and we're not just talking about Roy O'Donovan and Jabo Ibhere, although their loan performances were most certainly desperate). It would appear that one of the club's creditors may have taken action into their own hands - and Ron Martin's knees.


WHO MIGHT WANT TO KNEECAP RON MARTIN? - YOU DECIDE!

A - Jamie Oliver, the fat-lipped face of Sainsburys, a major creditor of the club.

B - A disgruntled unpaid former player, such as Alan McCormack.

C - Trevor Bashford of the Trust, whose £60,000 loan remains unpaid.

D - His missus.


Get well soon Ron.