Exclusive 2010-2011 season memorabilia offer

Missed this year's big event? The Southend Afternoon Echo Sportsdesk are pleased to present for sell by auction to our discerning readers the ultimate in sports memorabilia:

Authentic Cutlery from the West Ham United end of season dinner

*Ideal for anyone who failed to get Demba Ba's autograph
*Comes in presentational police exhibit evidence bag

Estimated cost: a mere £80,000,000


Going.... going.... going.... down.

Southend poised to sign Jones on loan?

With the transfer deadline looming, rumours are circulating Roots Hall that the forward Southend United are chasing on loan is former West Ham striker Steve Jones.

The move follows pressure from fans to revive the fortunes of the Essex side who are currently lying 13th in the table.

Signing the veteran Jones would meet Paul Sturrock's wishes that any new frontman would be experienced, as he seeks to learn from history, having signed the inexperienced Waide Fairhurst, Nathaniel Jarvis and that one from QPR whose name escapes me, for spectacularly unsuccessful loan spells already this season.

However a stumbling block would be the wages of former Benfleet based front man, especially with the League Two side struggling to pay players and the tax man. Nevertheless fans took time out from calling for owner Ron Martin to go over his financial mismanagement of the club, to demand new signings to boost squad numbers.

The Southend Afternoon Echo will be the first to bring you the news should Southend manage to sign the new Steve Jones on transfer deadline day.

EXCLUSIVE: Ron Martin goes to jail

Controversial Southend United Chairman Ron Martin sensationally has gone to jail, the Southend Afternoon Echo Sportsdesk can exclusively report.

The immacutely haired club owner who has been interviewed by the police over allegations made by his cleaner and also on suspicion of money-laundering and corruption
- although the Southend Afternoon Echo is eager to add no charges were brought on either occasion - sensationally went today to Chelmsford Prison to collect disgraced winger Ryan Hall, who was released on bail pending an appeal over his 20 week sentence for affray.

Ryan Hall will now reportedly be available for both Saturday and Tuesday's crucial encounters for the promotion chasing League Two side.

Ron Martin has been convicted of no offence.

Breaking News: Blues' stadium to leave room for running track

In a sensational development it's been announced that the new Fossetts Farm stadium will include room for a running track.

It what's thought to be a homage to the London 2012 Olympic legacy and a cheap* joke at W*** H**'s expense, the ground is to include room for a running track by leaving an entire stand unbuilt.

By building a three sided ground there will also be room for a golf course, a swimming pool or probably just some more houses.


More to follow



*25% off the build price

Ferdinand attracting interest from agent

Kane Ferdinand's agent has put a cluster of Championship sides on high alert after the agent announced told Southend through Sky Sports - rather than the more usual methods of communication like e-mail or telephone - that he'd turned down a contract offer from Southend.

The 18-year-old cousin of Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has managed to establish himself in the Shrimpers first team with some mature displays at the heart of their midfield.

In recent weeks Roots Hall has been busy with scouts eager to see Bilel Mohsni, although Ferdinand's agent has been quick to claim the scouts are watching his client.

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are reportedly among the teams his agent has asked if they would be interested should the midfielder opt to further his wage packet to a higher level.

Indeed, the interest of this agent has prompted the League Two outfit to put a professional deal to the Under-19 Republic of Ireland international.

Under the terms of his scholarship contract, if Ferdinand fails to sign a professional contract by mid-March he will be able to walk away for free.

As Ferdinand's agent Matthew Southall might as well have said: "Kane has done very well over the last few weeks for me. He has shown his versatility and maturity and settled into the team well, which should earn me a fair bit more commission.

"I have asked one or two clubs to make enquiries which I expect to bump up what Southend are offering. At the moment, he is a Southend United player and is happy to be playing regularly but that won't stop me trying and make him move and hopefully we can ramp up his contract offer over the coming weeks."

Kane Ferdinand in the Irish Mail

Most young players would not think twice about exploiting a link that would help them skip the queue to the top of the footballing ladder, so meet Kane Ferdinand.

The 18-year-old could easily have exploited his father being born in Dublin in a bold attempt to land a spot in the Republic of Ireland Under 19s in order to trial at a top club or add more zeros to his contract demands.

However, the London-born defender, who is cousins with Rio and that other one who isn't Les, is determined to make his own way in the game with Southend United.

'To be honest, I've never really been to Ireland much. I've got a huge family, so there are a lot of countries I could have played for" he admitted.

But surely he has been tempted to get in touch with Trapattoni or whoever manages Ireland u19s to help him attract the attention of Premier League scouts.

'Not really. I've just been concentrating on my own game and drinking as much Guinness as I can to make my own way into the Irish under 19s,' Ferdinand told Sportsmail.

Read the rest of the story from the Irish Daily Mail (and possibly see how it impacts on your house price).