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Wikipedia

Ron Martin (businessman)

November 27, 2023

Ronald Martin (born 17 January 1953) is a British businessman who is chief executive of Martin Dawn PLC, an Essex, United Kingdom-based property development company. After taking an ownership stake in Southend United Football Club in November 1998, he has, since 2000, also been the club's chairman, championing its move to a proposed new stadium at Fossetts Farm during financial struggles, including 18 winding-up petitions, at the club. Under his ownership, the club was promoted to the Championship (second tier of English football) before dropping to the fifth tier National League between 2007 and 2021. In October 2023, a deal was agreed in which Martin would sell the club to new owners, with the deal expected to be finalised by the end of November 2023.

Ron Martin
Born
Ronald Martin

17 January 1953
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)CEO of Martin Dawn PLC,
chairman of Southend United

Sports career edit

Reports[1][2] suggest Martin was a member of the Great Britain 1980 Winter Olympics bobsleigh team - a claim Martin made in a local newspaper interview in February 2000.[3] In 2009, the East London and West Essex Guardian reported that in the 1970s he "was on-standby to join the Great Britain bobsleigh team. The call never came".[4]

Business career edit

A construction and property development business, Martin Dawn (Essex) Limited was incorporated on 3 November 1983 with Ron Martin named as one of its directors. The company changed its name to Martin-Dawn Ltd on 12 February 1987, and became Martin Dawn plc on 6 February 1995.[5]

Southend United edit

Martin Dawn PLC and Delancey Estates, together forming South Eastern Leisure (SEL), took control of Southend United in November 1998, buying the club and its centrally located Roots Hall ground for £4m from then chairman Vic Jobson, who at the time owned 55% of the issued share capital of the club.[6] Jobson had previously sold part of the ground's South Bank for housing, and SEL's plan was to continue the redevelopment and move the club to a proposed 16,000-seat stadium in a leisure redevelopment in the northern part of Southend.[6]

John Main replaced Jobson as Southend United chairman,[7] but was uneasy about the club having to pay £400,000 annual rent to its new owners, and about Ron Martin's motives ("How can he argue for the club, particularly against SEL, if he jointly owns SEL and his main interest is in making money from the property deal?").[6] Two years later, in September 2000, Main was ousted as a condition of a £1.5m investment by Delancy Estates,[8][9] and replaced by Martin.[6]

In September 2001 it was claimed that Southend United could remain at Roots Hall after a deal was proposed between property developers Lansbury and Delancey.[10] Negotiations continued into 2002,[11] with a deal announced in December 2002, allowing the club to remain at Roots Hall for three years while plans for Fossetts Farm were developed.[12]

In March 2006, Martin bought out Delancy's shareholding in Southend United,[13] and planned a new Council submission about a combined 17,000-seat stadium, retail and leisure development at Fossett's Farm.[14] On 3 August 2006 local media reported that work was to start in 2007 on a £25 million 22,000 super-stadium. Martin stated that "plans are at an advanced stage now"[15] and added that they would be submitted in late September 2006 after which there will be a 16-week public consultation. The new ground has been designed by Populous,[16] formerly known as HOK Sport.

In January 2007, Southend Borough Council gave planning permission for a new 22,000-seater stadium at the proposed Fossetts Farm site, with Rochford District Council following suit 24 hours later. On 6 March 2008, permission to develop Fossetts Farm was given by the government.[17] However, it took a further 12 years before firm plans emerged for the development; in April 2020, a deal was agreed between Southend United, the borough council and social housing provider Citizen Housing.[18] Established in 2018, Citizen is a joint venture between Lenrose Housing and Allied Commercial Exporters, the UK investment vehicle of property tycoons, the Dellal family; it is fronted by Ron Martin's son, Jack Martin.[19] Plans approved in October 2021 included a 22,000-capacity stadium with a 107-bed hotel and high-rise residential blocks of 182 homes on two corners,[20] but the hotel plan was later dropped and the proposed stadium capacity was reduced to 16,226 seats.[21]

Main article: Fossetts Farm Stadium

Financial troubles edit

During the 2009–10 season, Southend faced two winding-up orders from HM Revenue and Customs over unpaid tax bills.[22][23] In February 2010 Southend players were not paid, the Professional Footballers Association had to pay the players, and the club were placed under a transfer embargo until they paid the money back.[24] In March 2010 Southend were given a 35-day extension to pay the unpaid bill or face administration,[25] and further seven day extension in April 2010.[26] On 20 April 2010 the bill was paid,[27] and in August 2010 all actions against Southend United were dropped and an agreement was reached with HMRC.[28]

It later emerged that Martin had re-mortgaged his home to stop the club going bust, borrowing £750,000 against his £1.6m home in Benfleet, to help clear a £338,000 tax debt and stop the club being forced into administration. The 2010 bailout was part of a total of around £13.5m of his own or borrowed money that Martin had ploughed into the club since 1999.[29] According to the club's 2012 accounts, the club was effectively insolvent, but remained a "going concern" thanks to support from Martin Dawn Plc and South Eastern Leisure. Martin had also faced legal action from individuals and firms (including solicitors, a neuro specialist and Anglian Water) to settle bills, and in 2013 agreed a repayment plan with former club chief executive Tara Brady over a £150,000 debt.[29][30]

Later financial difficulties resulted in non-payment of players' and other employees' wages in December 2019, after which players consulted with the PFA.[31] Martin paid £140,000 after seven senior players did not receive their December 2019 wages on time, and met with all players to reassure them it would not happen again.[32] The winding-up petition was dismissed after debts were cleared,[33] but continued financial constraints prevented the club signing any new players during the January 2020 transfer window.[34] On 2 March, Martin confirmed Southend was under an EFL transfer embargo due to an unpaid tax bill,[35] while February's wages to players were not paid on time, resulting in further PFA involvement.[36] On 9 March, Southend was charged with misconduct by the EFL for failing to pay players on time, and for fielding an ineligible player[37] (on 2 June, Southend received a suspended three-point penalty and were fined £7,500 for these offences).[38] On 11 March, a further HMRC winding-up petition was adjourned to 29 April;[39] it was then adjourned three more times,[40][41] eventually to 28 October 2020,[42] when the club finally settled tax debts of £493,931 with HMRC; as a result, a winding-up petition was dismissed by the High Court.[43] Meanwhile, on 2 April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, Southend put "several staff and some players" on furlough (temporary leave) under the UK Government's emergency job retention scheme. Martin said "It enables the club to best manage its finances during this time of limited income",[44] but the move was criticised by the PFA who said the club had "consistently" let players down over wages.[45]

In April 2021, former Southend player Stan Collymore wrote to Martin offering to buy the club from him,[46] and held talks concerning the potential appointment of a Collymore associate as the club's CEO.[47]

Relegation from Football League edit

Under Martin's chairmanship Southend suffered a second successive relegation on 1 May 2021, dropping out of the Football League after 101 years.[48] Supporters demonstrated and called for his resignation, but he said: "the future will be great again".[49] He also said League Two relegation was "unfair" as the National League had suspended relegation for the COVID-19-affected season, and submitted proposals for EFL consideration.[50]

Continued financial troubles edit

In August 2021, Southend revealed its overall debt in July 2019 was £17.4m, having grown by £2.4m; Martin said the majority of the debt was owed to his companies, and that £6.8m of debt had already been written off.[51] With the club struggling near the foot of the National League, Southend fans staged protests on 5 and 9 October 2021 at Roots Hall demanding Martin's departure.[52][53] Collymore offered further free support to the club, described as "a mess" by the BBC:

"The club is a mess, with the chairman pushing on with his plans for a new stadium while Roots Hall slowly falls into a dilapidated state. With the club already on life support, emergency surgery is the order of the day if it is not to sink further."[54]

On 30 September 2022, the club was placed under a transfer embargo after a missed payment to HMRC;[55] the following day, fans staged protests at Roots Hall after shirt sponsors PG Site Services withdraw their club support. Fans group Save Our Southend blamed "the utter ineptitude of Ron Martin in running the club properly," saying they judged him "to be an unfit and improper owner".[56] In a statement, Martin blamed a programme delay for a missed payment under the club's Time To Pay Agreement with HMRC, which he said HMRC then cancelled prematurely. He said bridging finance would enable the club to discharge its HMRC debt in full.[57] Nonetheless, in October 2022, HMRC issued a winding-up petition - due to be heard at the High Court on 9 November,[58] it was adjourned to 18 January 2023.[59]

With the club's final accounts for the year to 31 July 2020 still not filed (overdue since April 2021), on 3 January 2023, Companies House issued a first Gazette notice to have the company struck off.[60][a] On 18 January 2023, the HMRC winding up hearing was adjourned again, until 1 March 2023.[62] In a 25 January statement, Martin could not "outline precise timings" regarding the bridging finance to be applied against the "large" HMRC debt;[63] Martin was later reported to be seeking a £5m loan to pay debts including £1.4m in unpaid tax owed to HMRC.[64] The Shrimpers Trust did not expect the club to make a loan repayment due at the start of February,[65] and, with players and other staff unpaid for January, anxious fans started planning a 'phoenix club'[66][67] and there were unsuccessful attempts to engage with Martin over a possible sale of the club.[68]

On 10 February 2023, St John Ambulance said it would no longer provide first aid staff at Southend United home games because of outstanding fees,[69] forcing the club to find alternative medical cover ahead of an FA Trophy tie with York City.[70] The following day, Martin said finding the money to clear the club's HMRC debt by 1 March "will be close" but he "will not let the club be wound-up". He described the debt as a legacy of unpaid PAYE for players' wages from when Southend was in Leagues One and Two. Martin said: "Raising the funds is my primary focus. ... However, if we get past this current trauma, the future for the club is bright."[71] Players' January wages remained unpaid ahead of Southend's 25 February game at Torquay United,[72] and were eventually paid 28 days late while other staff had not been paid since November.[73]

Less than 24 hours before the winding-up hearing, the club said it had paid the £1.4m tax bill, adding that "funds as working capital" had also been injected into the club.[74] After a brief hearing at the Insolvency and Companies Court on 1 March 2023, the winding-up petition was dismissed after HMRC confirmed the debt had been paid.[75] However, the transfer embargo remained in place;[76] sponsors, angry at being kept in the dark, talked of taking legal action against the club;[77] and supporters groups, fearing "the next crisis could be just around the corner", highlighted owner "inadequacies" and said a new beginning would only be possible "when a new structure and ownership is in place".[78]

Martin puts club up for sale edit

On 17 March 2023, Martin and the board of directors commenced a formal process to explore the sale of the club or to bring in new investment partners.[79][80] With Martin set to own any stadium at Fossetts Farm, the Shrimpers Trust urged Southend Council to use its planning powers to ensure the stadium remained in the club's ownership.[81]

On 14 April, shirt sponsor PG Site Services said it would stop sponsoring the club "due to a breakdown of our relationship with the current owner RM and his conduct".[82] On 30 April, the club finished their second season in the National League in 8th position, outside the promotion and play-off places; staff at the club had not been paid for the past two months.[83] On 4 May, the club was served another winding-up petition by HMRC, and was due to appear in the High Court on 17 May.[84] Three companies, including PG Site Services and Engie Power, joined the winding-up petition regarding a £275,000 debt;[85] the petition hearing—the club's 18th[86]—was adjourned to 12 July 2023, giving Martin more time to sell the club.[87]

Meanwhile, on 11 May 2023, football finance expert Kieran Maguire criticised Martin's combative approach to HMRC. Maguire said head coach Kevin Maher and other backroom staff were running out of patience, adding that Martin had "seen Roots Hall as an opportunity to make money from a property perspective and your heart goes out to the people working there who don't know how long they've got a job there or have any certainty at the start of every month whether or not they will be paid."[88]

On 31 May 2023, the club had to secure a court order unfreezing a bank account to enable them to pay players (keeping them at the club) and accountants,[89] but some "back of house" staff were still awaiting "March and/or April" wages in early June.[90] Players and backroom staff again went unpaid at the end of June 2023,[91] and players refused to resume pre-season training until they were paid while considering their future with the club.[92] On 5 July 2023, another club sponsor, Midex PRO, withdrew its support due to "the current situation with the club's owners".[93] On 12 July, the winding-up hearing was adjourned again, to 23 August 2023, to allow further time for the sale to be concluded, amid doubts about the club's ability to meet National League requirements,[94] with Maguire now describing Southend as "one of the worst run clubs in the country".[95]

On 17 July 2023, Martin said he would sell his stake in the club for £1, but wanted £4.5m for Roots Hall. The club also needed £1m "in the short term" to settle its latest HMRC winding-up petition and lift a transfer embargo.[96] On 20 July, Kimura Capital stated that they were no longer interested in leading a bid for the club[97] but were reported to be involved in discussions with a group of unidentified businessmen to save the club.[98] However, in late July 2023, Martin told protesting fans—who he blamed for deterring potential bidders—that nobody had yet made him an offer on his terms.[99]

On 21 July 2023, the club was given court permission to pay £300,000 in football-related debts to remain in the National League. Martin promised to notify other creditors, which include HMRC—owed £275,000—and energy supplier Npower, of the payment. This had to be approved by the court as the club was insolvent; any future payments would also have to be notified and approved in the same way.[100][101] Club staff were paid wages dating back up to three months on 26 July 2023,[102] and were finally up to date with their wages[103] (and July's wages were paid on time).[104] The National League welcomed the club's payments to football creditors, licencing the club to participate in the 2023–2024 season, but required it to pay its HMRC debt in full by 23 August 2023 (adjournment of the court hearing would not postpone this requirement) and to ensure all future football creditors or HMRC debts were cleared on time to the satisfaction of the League during the 2023–2024 season. A breach of these conditions would result in an immediate and automatic 10 points deduction.[105]

On 15 August 2023, former club chief executive Tara Brady confirmed he had tried to buy Southend United in July, only to be rebuffed by Martin.[106]

On 23 August 2023, the winding-up hearing was adjourned again, to 4 October 2023, with Judge Prentis telling Martin if he was in charge of any other business it would have been wound up.[107] As part of the £275,000 HMRC debt remained outstanding (in addition, Npower was owed a similar amount and electrical contractor Emersons was owed £600,000k),[108] the club were deducted 10 points by the National League[109] (it appealed against the penalty).[110] Martin told the court he was "confident"[111][112] a sale to an Australian buyer—later named as Justin Rees[113]—would be finalised by the end of September. The judge said the club would be wound up if that deadline was missed.[114][115] Despite his earlier confidence, Martin subsequently said he was unsure if this deadline would be met; there were two potential buyers but discussions with the Rees consortium were "more advanced".[116] On 7 September 2023, Southend Council committed to considering investment in the club if it would aid its survival,[117] potentially by buying Roots Hall for Martin's £4.5M asking price.[118]

On 19 September 2023, the club was due to appear at Basildon magistrates' court in a civil matter relating to a disputed power bill; the 'application for warrant of entry' was rescheduled for Chelmsford High Court on 3 October 2023.[119] The club's match against Maidenhead United that evening was briefly interrupted by fans throwing toy rats and tennis balls onto the pitch in another protest against Martin.[120]

On 20 September 2023, a statement was released by the Rees consortium. Acknowledged the complexity of any deal, the consortium said it had made two bids to Martin, but neither had been accepted, and "it now seems unlikely that any deal can be agreed prior to the 4th of October court appearance date". The consortium understood Martin would ensure the club avoided liquidation on 4 October, but the threat of administration remained. Full details of the consortium's bid were not released, but—due to "the non-viability of a new stadium at Fossetts Farm"—it involved retaining and upgrading Roots Hall as the club's stadium, and taking ownership of the stadium and the club's training ground, with Martin contributing funds towards the redevelopment of Roots Hall.[121]

Fans staged an anti-Martin protest march to Roots Hall ahead of the club's National League tie against AFC Fylde on 23 September 2023.[122][123] Southend fielded a 14-man squad, and lost the game 2–1.[124]

On 3 October 2023, the club confirmed that they had reached an agreement for the sale of the club to the Justin Rees consortium, with a formal takeover and completion date of 1 November,[125] later revised to 17 November 2023[126] and then the end of the month.[127] With details of the rescue deal yet to be finalised, reports suggested the club would remain at Roots Hall, with the 500 homes once planned for the site now transferred to Fossetts Farm.[128] The deal was announced the day before the High Court hearing of HMRC's winding-up petition, amid reports that the HMRC debt had now been paid,[129] and the winding-up petition was duly dismissed.[130]

Fraud investigation edit

In 2007, Martin's home and offices were searched[131] and he was later arrested[132] during a fraud investigation concerning a planning application unrelated to his football club interests.[133] He helped with police enquiries and was not charged with any offences.[134]

References edit

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November 27, 2023
martin, businessman, ronald, martin, born, january, 1953, british, businessman, chief, executive, martin, dawn, essex, united, kingdom, based, property, development, company, after, taking, ownership, stake, southend, united, football, club, november, 1998, si. Ronald Martin born 17 January 1953 is a British businessman who is chief executive of Martin Dawn PLC an Essex United Kingdom based property development company After taking an ownership stake in Southend United Football Club in November 1998 he has since 2000 also been the club s chairman championing its move to a proposed new stadium at Fossetts Farm during financial struggles including 18 winding up petitions at the club Under his ownership the club was promoted to the Championship second tier of English football before dropping to the fifth tier National League between 2007 and 2021 In October 2023 a deal was agreed in which Martin would sell the club to new owners with the deal expected to be finalised by the end of November 2023 Ron MartinBornRonald Martin17 January 1953NationalityBritishOccupation s CEO of Martin Dawn PLC chairman of Southend United Contents 1 Sports career 2 Business career 2 1 Southend United 2 1 1 Financial troubles 2 1 2 Relegation from Football League 2 1 3 Continued financial troubles 2 1 4 Martin puts club up for sale 3 Fraud investigation 4 ReferencesSports career editReports 1 2 suggest Martin was a member of the Great Britain 1980 Winter Olympics bobsleigh team a claim Martin made in a local newspaper interview in February 2000 3 In 2009 the East London and West Essex Guardian reported that in the 1970s he was on standby to join the Great Britain bobsleigh team The call never came 4 Business career editA construction and property development business Martin Dawn Essex Limited was incorporated on 3 November 1983 with Ron Martin named as one of its directors The company changed its name to Martin Dawn Ltd on 12 February 1987 and became Martin Dawn plc on 6 February 1995 5 Southend United edit Martin Dawn PLC and Delancey Estates together forming South Eastern Leisure SEL took control of Southend United in November 1998 buying the club and its centrally located Roots Hall ground for 4m from then chairman Vic Jobson who at the time owned 55 of the issued share capital of the club 6 Jobson had previously sold part of the ground s South Bank for housing and SEL s plan was to continue the redevelopment and move the club to a proposed 16 000 seat stadium in a leisure redevelopment in the northern part of Southend 6 John Main replaced Jobson as Southend United chairman 7 but was uneasy about the club having to pay 400 000 annual rent to its new owners and about Ron Martin s motives How can he argue for the club particularly against SEL if he jointly owns SEL and his main interest is in making money from the property deal 6 Two years later in September 2000 Main was ousted as a condition of a 1 5m investment by Delancy Estates 8 9 and replaced by Martin 6 In September 2001 it was claimed that Southend United could remain at Roots Hall after a deal was proposed between property developers Lansbury and Delancey 10 Negotiations continued into 2002 11 with a deal announced in December 2002 allowing the club to remain at Roots Hall for three years while plans for Fossetts Farm were developed 12 In March 2006 Martin bought out Delancy s shareholding in Southend United 13 and planned a new Council submission about a combined 17 000 seat stadium retail and leisure development at Fossett s Farm 14 On 3 August 2006 local media reported that work was to start in 2007 on a 25 million 22 000 super stadium Martin stated that plans are at an advanced stage now 15 and added that they would be submitted in late September 2006 after which there will be a 16 week public consultation The new ground has been designed by Populous 16 formerly known as HOK Sport In January 2007 Southend Borough Council gave planning permission for a new 22 000 seater stadium at the proposed Fossetts Farm site with Rochford District Council following suit 24 hours later On 6 March 2008 permission to develop Fossetts Farm was given by the government 17 However it took a further 12 years before firm plans emerged for the development in April 2020 a deal was agreed between Southend United the borough council and social housing provider Citizen Housing 18 Established in 2018 Citizen is a joint venture between Lenrose Housing and Allied Commercial Exporters the UK investment vehicle of property tycoons the Dellal family it is fronted by Ron Martin s son Jack Martin 19 Plans approved in October 2021 included a 22 000 capacity stadium with a 107 bed hotel and high rise residential blocks of 182 homes on two corners 20 but the hotel plan was later dropped and the proposed stadium capacity was reduced to 16 226 seats 21 Main article Fossetts Farm Stadium Financial troubles edit During the 2009 10 season Southend faced two winding up orders from HM Revenue and Customs over unpaid tax bills 22 23 In February 2010 Southend players were not paid the Professional Footballers Association had to pay the players and the club were placed under a transfer embargo until they paid the money back 24 In March 2010 Southend were given a 35 day extension to pay the unpaid bill or face administration 25 and further seven day extension in April 2010 26 On 20 April 2010 the bill was paid 27 and in August 2010 all actions against Southend United were dropped and an agreement was reached with HMRC 28 It later emerged that Martin had re mortgaged his home to stop the club going bust borrowing 750 000 against his 1 6m home in Benfleet to help clear a 338 000 tax debt and stop the club being forced into administration The 2010 bailout was part of a total of around 13 5m of his own or borrowed money that Martin had ploughed into the club since 1999 29 According to the club s 2012 accounts the club was effectively insolvent but remained a going concern thanks to support from Martin Dawn Plc and South Eastern Leisure Martin had also faced legal action from individuals and firms including solicitors a neuro specialist and Anglian Water to settle bills and in 2013 agreed a repayment plan with former club chief executive Tara Brady over a 150 000 debt 29 30 Later financial difficulties resulted in non payment of players and other employees wages in December 2019 after which players consulted with the PFA 31 Martin paid 140 000 after seven senior players did not receive their December 2019 wages on time and met with all players to reassure them it would not happen again 32 The winding up petition was dismissed after debts were cleared 33 but continued financial constraints prevented the club signing any new players during the January 2020 transfer window 34 On 2 March Martin confirmed Southend was under an EFL transfer embargo due to an unpaid tax bill 35 while February s wages to players were not paid on time resulting in further PFA involvement 36 On 9 March Southend was charged with misconduct by the EFL for failing to pay players on time and for fielding an ineligible player 37 on 2 June Southend received a suspended three point penalty and were fined 7 500 for these offences 38 On 11 March a further HMRC winding up petition was adjourned to 29 April 39 it was then adjourned three more times 40 41 eventually to 28 October 2020 42 when the club finally settled tax debts of 493 931 with HMRC as a result a winding up petition was dismissed by the High Court 43 Meanwhile on 2 April 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Southend put several staff and some players on furlough temporary leave under the UK Government s emergency job retention scheme Martin said It enables the club to best manage its finances during this time of limited income 44 but the move was criticised by the PFA who said the club had consistently let players down over wages 45 In April 2021 former Southend player Stan Collymore wrote to Martin offering to buy the club from him 46 and held talks concerning the potential appointment of a Collymore associate as the club s CEO 47 Relegation from Football League edit Under Martin s chairmanship Southend suffered a second successive relegation on 1 May 2021 dropping out of the Football League after 101 years 48 Supporters demonstrated and called for his resignation but he said the future will be great again 49 He also said League Two relegation was unfair as the National League had suspended relegation for the COVID 19 affected season and submitted proposals for EFL consideration 50 Continued financial troubles edit In August 2021 Southend revealed its overall debt in July 2019 was 17 4m having grown by 2 4m Martin said the majority of the debt was owed to his companies and that 6 8m of debt had already been written off 51 With the club struggling near the foot of the National League Southend fans staged protests on 5 and 9 October 2021 at Roots Hall demanding Martin s departure 52 53 Collymore offered further free support to the club described as a mess by the BBC The club is a mess with the chairman pushing on with his plans for a new stadium while Roots Hall slowly falls into a dilapidated state With the club already on life support emergency surgery is the order of the day if it is not to sink further 54 On 30 September 2022 the club was placed under a transfer embargo after a missed payment to HMRC 55 the following day fans staged protests at Roots Hall after shirt sponsors PG Site Services withdraw their club support Fans group Save Our Southend blamed the utter ineptitude of Ron Martin in running the club properly saying they judged him to be an unfit and improper owner 56 In a statement Martin blamed a programme delay for a missed payment under the club s Time To Pay Agreement with HMRC which he said HMRC then cancelled prematurely He said bridging finance would enable the club to discharge its HMRC debt in full 57 Nonetheless in October 2022 HMRC issued a winding up petition due to be heard at the High Court on 9 November 58 it was adjourned to 18 January 2023 59 With the club s final accounts for the year to 31 July 2020 still not filed overdue since April 2021 on 3 January 2023 Companies House issued a first Gazette notice to have the company struck off 60 a On 18 January 2023 the HMRC winding up hearing was adjourned again until 1 March 2023 62 In a 25 January statement Martin could not outline precise timings regarding the bridging finance to be applied against the large HMRC debt 63 Martin was later reported to be seeking a 5m loan to pay debts including 1 4m in unpaid tax owed to HMRC 64 The Shrimpers Trust did not expect the club to make a loan repayment due at the start of February 65 and with players and other staff unpaid for January anxious fans started planning a phoenix club 66 67 and there were unsuccessful attempts to engage with Martin over a possible sale of the club 68 On 10 February 2023 St John Ambulance said it would no longer provide first aid staff at Southend United home games because of outstanding fees 69 forcing the club to find alternative medical cover ahead of an FA Trophy tie with York City 70 The following day Martin said finding the money to clear the club s HMRC debt by 1 March will be close but he will not let the club be wound up He described the debt as a legacy of unpaid PAYE for players wages from when Southend was in Leagues One and Two Martin said Raising the funds is my primary focus However if we get past this current trauma the future for the club is bright 71 Players January wages remained unpaid ahead of Southend s 25 February game at Torquay United 72 and were eventually paid 28 days late while other staff had not been paid since November 73 Less than 24 hours before the winding up hearing the club said it had paid the 1 4m tax bill adding that funds as working capital had also been injected into the club 74 After a brief hearing at the Insolvency and Companies Court on 1 March 2023 the winding up petition was dismissed after HMRC confirmed the debt had been paid 75 However the transfer embargo remained in place 76 sponsors angry at being kept in the dark talked of taking legal action against the club 77 and supporters groups fearing the next crisis could be just around the corner highlighted owner inadequacies and said a new beginning would only be possible when a new structure and ownership is in place 78 Martin puts club up for sale edit On 17 March 2023 Martin and the board of directors commenced a formal process to explore the sale of the club or to bring in new investment partners 79 80 With Martin set to own any stadium at Fossetts Farm the Shrimpers Trust urged Southend Council to use its planning powers to ensure the stadium remained in the club s ownership 81 On 14 April shirt sponsor PG Site Services said it would stop sponsoring the club due to a breakdown of our relationship with the current owner RM and his conduct 82 On 30 April the club finished their second season in the National League in 8th position outside the promotion and play off places staff at the club had not been paid for the past two months 83 On 4 May the club was served another winding up petition by HMRC and was due to appear in the High Court on 17 May 84 Three companies including PG Site Services and Engie Power joined the winding up petition regarding a 275 000 debt 85 the petition hearing the club s 18th 86 was adjourned to 12 July 2023 giving Martin more time to sell the club 87 Meanwhile on 11 May 2023 football finance expert Kieran Maguire criticised Martin s combative approach to HMRC Maguire said head coach Kevin Maher and other backroom staff were running out of patience adding that Martin had seen Roots Hall as an opportunity to make money from a property perspective and your heart goes out to the people working there who don t know how long they ve got a job there or have any certainty at the start of every month whether or not they will be paid 88 On 31 May 2023 the club had to secure a court order unfreezing a bank account to enable them to pay players keeping them at the club and accountants 89 but some back of house staff were still awaiting March and or April wages in early June 90 Players and backroom staff again went unpaid at the end of June 2023 91 and players refused to resume pre season training until they were paid while considering their future with the club 92 On 5 July 2023 another club sponsor Midex PRO withdrew its support due to the current situation with the club s owners 93 On 12 July the winding up hearing was adjourned again to 23 August 2023 to allow further time for the sale to be concluded amid doubts about the club s ability to meet National League requirements 94 with Maguire now describing Southend as one of the worst run clubs in the country 95 On 17 July 2023 Martin said he would sell his stake in the club for 1 but wanted 4 5m for Roots Hall The club also needed 1m in the short term to settle its latest HMRC winding up petition and lift a transfer embargo 96 On 20 July Kimura Capital stated that they were no longer interested in leading a bid for the club 97 but were reported to be involved in discussions with a group of unidentified businessmen to save the club 98 However in late July 2023 Martin told protesting fans who he blamed for deterring potential bidders that nobody had yet made him an offer on his terms 99 On 21 July 2023 the club was given court permission to pay 300 000 in football related debts to remain in the National League Martin promised to notify other creditors which include HMRC owed 275 000 and energy supplier Npower of the payment This had to be approved by the court as the club was insolvent any future payments would also have to be notified and approved in the same way 100 101 Club staff were paid wages dating back up to three months on 26 July 2023 102 and were finally up to date with their wages 103 and July s wages were paid on time 104 The National League welcomed the club s payments to football creditors licencing the club to participate in the 2023 2024 season but required it to pay its HMRC debt in full by 23 August 2023 adjournment of the court hearing would not postpone this requirement and to ensure all future football creditors or HMRC debts were cleared on time to the satisfaction of the League during the 2023 2024 season A breach of these conditions would result in an immediate and automatic 10 points deduction 105 On 15 August 2023 former club chief executive Tara Brady confirmed he had tried to buy Southend United in July only to be rebuffed by Martin 106 On 23 August 2023 the winding up hearing was adjourned again to 4 October 2023 with Judge Prentis telling Martin if he was in charge of any other business it would have been wound up 107 As part of the 275 000 HMRC debt remained outstanding in addition Npower was owed a similar amount and electrical contractor Emersons was owed 600 000k 108 the club were deducted 10 points by the National League 109 it appealed against the penalty 110 Martin told the court he was confident 111 112 a sale to an Australian buyer later named as Justin Rees 113 would be finalised by the end of September The judge said the club would be wound up if that deadline was missed 114 115 Despite his earlier confidence Martin subsequently said he was unsure if this deadline would be met there were two potential buyers but discussions with the Rees consortium were more advanced 116 On 7 September 2023 Southend Council committed to considering investment in the club if it would aid its survival 117 potentially by buying Roots Hall for Martin s 4 5M asking price 118 On 19 September 2023 the club was due to appear at Basildon magistrates court in a civil matter relating to a disputed power bill the application for warrant of entry was rescheduled for Chelmsford High Court on 3 October 2023 119 The club s match against Maidenhead United that evening was briefly interrupted by fans throwing toy rats and tennis balls onto the pitch in another protest against Martin 120 On 20 September 2023 a statement was released by the Rees consortium Acknowledged the complexity of any deal the consortium said it had made two bids to Martin but neither had been accepted and it now seems unlikely that any deal can be agreed prior to the 4th of October court appearance date The consortium understood Martin would ensure the club avoided liquidation on 4 October but the threat of administration remained Full details of the consortium s bid were not released but due to the non viability of a new stadium at Fossetts Farm it involved retaining and upgrading Roots Hall as the club s stadium and taking ownership of the stadium and the club s training ground with Martin contributing funds towards the redevelopment of Roots Hall 121 Fans staged an anti Martin protest march to Roots Hall ahead of the club s National League tie against AFC Fylde on 23 September 2023 122 123 Southend fielded a 14 man squad and lost the game 2 1 124 On 3 October 2023 the club confirmed that they had reached an agreement for the sale of the club to the Justin Rees consortium with a formal takeover and completion date of 1 November 125 later revised to 17 November 2023 126 and then the end of the month 127 With details of the rescue deal yet to be finalised reports suggested the club would remain at Roots Hall with the 500 homes once planned for the site now transferred to Fossetts Farm 128 The deal was announced the day before the High Court hearing of HMRC s winding up petition amid reports that the HMRC debt had now been paid 129 and the winding up petition was duly dismissed 130 Fraud investigation editIn 2007 Martin s home and offices were searched 131 and he was later arrested 132 during a fraud investigation concerning a planning application unrelated to his football club interests 133 He helped with police enquiries and was not charged with any offences 134 References edit The club s accounts for 2020 and 2021 were eventually submitted to Companies House on 31 May 2023 The 2021 accounts showed the club made a loss of 1 003 992 on a turnover of 3 954 593 the club s 2022 accounts had not been submitted by the 30 April 2023 deadline 61 Tallentire Mark 22 August 2010 Southend s new manager fighting against tide to keep Shrimpers afloat Guardian Retrieved 21 April 2021 Vittles Jack 10 December 2017 League One owners guide A detailed look at the club chiefs and their net worth Bristol Post Retrieved 21 April 2021 Martin has reached high standards as an athlete on the track and field circuit for England and as part of the 1980 Olympic bobsleigh team Soccer I m not sitting back Martin Gazette amp News 8 February 2000 Retrieved 21 April 2021 Head to Head Southend Utd v Leyton Orient East London and West Essex Guardian 3 September 2009 Retrieved 21 April 2021 MARTIN DAWN PLC Company number 01767042 Companies House Retrieved 14 July 2022 a b c d Conn David 22 September 2000 Southend soap opera may have sad ending Independent Retrieved 22 April 2021 Soccer New Southend chairman reassures fans Gazette amp Standard 24 November 1998 Retrieved 22 April 2021 Southend Mansfield Carlisle When Saturday Comes December 2000 Retrieved 22 April 2021 Soccer Southend crisis Backers spell out why Main must go Gazette amp Standard 26 July 2000 Retrieved 22 April 2021 41m college plans safe This Is Essex 2 October 2001 Retrieved 10 May 2021 Soccer Martin vows new plans for stadium Gazette amp Standard 23 January 2002 Retrieved 10 May 2021 Southend Deal welcomed by Blues boss Gazette amp Standard 5 December 2002 Retrieved 10 May 2021 Ron s Blues buy up This Is Essex 6 March 2006 Retrieved 10 May 2021 New soccer stadium will hold 17 000 This Is Essex 7 March 2006 Retrieved 10 May 2021 25million superstadium Work to start next year This Is Essex 3 August 2006 Retrieved 3 August 2006 permanent dead link Southend United Stadium Populous Retrieved 10 May 2021 Tower blocks to be focal point of new Fossetts Farm development Evening Echo p 30 Sept 2015 Retrieved 24 November 2016 Southend United Deal struck for long awaited new stadium BBC BBC 3 April 2020 Retrieved 22 April 2020 Whitehouse Ellis 20 November 2020 Southend United Fossetts Farm plan back by billionaires Echo Retrieved 14 September 2021 Morby Aaron 26 October 2021 Go ahead for 22 000 seat Southend FC stadium Construction Enquirer Retrieved 27 October 2021 Sexton Chris 22 September 2022 Southend United new stadium s hotel plans ditched Echo Retrieved 22 February 2023 Southend avoid winding up order but now face administration The Guardian 27 October 2009 Retrieved 22 November 2011 Southend winding up hearing adjourned for 28 days BBC Sport 10 February 2010 Retrieved 22 November 2011 Phillips Chris 10 March 2010 Ron Martin explains PFA loan to cover wages at Southend United Echo Retrieved 22 November 2011 Southend United get High Court extension to repay debts BBC Sport 10 March 2010 Retrieved 22 November 2011 Southend United given a further week to pay off 400 000 tax bill The Guardian 14 April 2010 Retrieved 22 November 2011 Shrimpers settle tax debt Sky Sports 20 April 2010 Retrieved 22 November 2011 Southend United stave off administration BBC Sport 2 August 2010 Retrieved 22 November 2011 a b Austin Jon 3 March 2014 Ron Martin remortgaged his mansion to bail out Southend United Echo Retrieved 14 July 2022 Austin Jon 24 August 2013 Southend United Ron Martin settles Brady debt out of court Maldon Standard Retrieved 14 July 2022 Southend United players to meet with PFA over unpaid wages BBC Sport BBC 9 January 2020 Retrieved 9 January 2020 Southend United Chairman Ron Martin personally meets 140k wages shortfall BBC Sport BBC 10 January 2020 Retrieved 13 January 2020 Southend United HMRC winding up petition dismissed in insolvency court BBC Sport BBC 22 January 2020 Retrieved 24 February 2020 Sol Campbell Southend United boss disappointed at lack of January signings BBC Sport BBC 12 February 2020 Retrieved 23 February 2020 Southend United Chairman Ron Martin confirms club under transfer embargo BBC Sport BBC 2 March 2020 Retrieved 5 March 2020 Southend United PFA in touch with club over unpaid wages BBC Sport BBC 3 March 2020 Retrieved 5 March 2020 Southend amp Macclesfield given EFL charge for failing to pay players BBC Sport BBC 9 March 2020 Retrieved 9 March 2020 Southend United given suspended points deduction for late payment of wages BBC Sport BBC 2 June 2020 Retrieved 2 June 2020 Southend United Winding up petition adjourned until 29 April BBC Sport BBC 11 March 2020 Retrieved 11 March 2020 Southend United Winding up petition adjourned until 22 July BBC Sport 29 April 2020 Retrieved 29 April 2020 Southend United winding up petition adjourned for third time until 16 September BBC Sport 22 July 2020 Retrieved 23 July 2020 Southend United winding up petition adjourned for fourth time until 28 October BBC Sport 16 September 2020 Retrieved 25 September 2020 Southend United pay up 493 991 tax bill as winding up petition dismissed BBC Sport 28 October 2020 Retrieved 29 October 2020 Southend United Some players furloughed due to coronavirus financial effects BBC Sport BBC 2 April 2020 Retrieved 2 April 2020 Southend United PFA extremely disappointed by handling of furloughing players BBC Sport 22 April 2020 Retrieved 22 April 2020 Phillips Chris 22 April 2021 Stan Collymore s message to Southend United chairman Ron Martin Southend Echo Retrieved 7 May 2021 Phillips Chris 28 April 2021 Stan Collymore organises for potential chief executive to meet with Southend United chairman Ron Martin Southend Echo Retrieved 7 May 2021 Barrow 1 2 Southend United BBC Sport 1 May 2021 Retrieved 1 May 2021 Southend United Town faces losing heartbeat if club is relegated BBC News 24 April 2021 Retrieved 4 May 2021 Phillips Chris 7 May 2021 Southend United chairman Ron Martin feels it is unfair teams have been relegated from League Two Southend Echo Retrieved 7 May 2021 Chairman Ron Martin plays down Southend United s debts Echo 11 August 2021 Retrieved 14 September 2021 Ron Martin Southend United fans protest against chairman during Eastleigh win BBC Sport 6 October 2021 Retrieved 8 October 2021 Southend United 0 4 Chesterfield BBC Sport 9 October 2021 Retrieved 10 October 2021 Stan Collymore Former Southend United striker offers to help club for free BBC Sport 10 October 2021 Retrieved 11 October 2021 Phillips Chris 30 September 2022 Southend United placed under transfer embargo Echo Retrieved 3 October 2022 Phillips Chris 1 October 2022 Protesting Southend United fans to stage sit in after match with Yeovil Echo Retrieved 3 October 2022 Southend United chairman Ron Martin issues statement Echo 1 October 2022 Retrieved 3 October 2022 Southend United Winding up petition issued by HMRC to National League club BBC Sport 14 October 2022 Retrieved 18 October 2022 Southend United National League side have winding up petition adjourned BBC Sport 9 November 2022 Retrieved 10 November 2022 Southend United Football Club Limited The The Gazette Official Public Record Retrieved 13 January 2023 Southend United Football Club Ltd Companies House Retrieved 28 July 2023 Southend United Winding up petition hearing adjourned again until March BBC Sport 18 January 2023 Retrieved 18 January 2023 Phillips Chris 25 January 2023 Southend United chairman statement amid fears for club s future Echo Retrieved 26 January 2023 Southend United MP Anna Firth hopeful football club will survive BBC News 11 February 2023 Retrieved 14 February 2023 Southend United Shrimpers Trust does not expect club to repay loan on time BBC Sport 27 January 2023 Retrieved 27 January 2023 Southend United fans begin phoenix club planning in case Shrimpers go out of business BBC Sport 1 February 2023 Retrieved 6 February 2023 King Ian 4 February 2023 Southend United s current crisis could land them a place on football s financial graveyard Football365 Retrieved 8 February 2023 Phillips Chris 16 February 2023 Ex Southend United star reveals he was part of bid to buy club Echo Retrieved 28 February 2023 Southend United St John Ambulance ends cover over debts BBC News 10 February 2023 Retrieved 10 February 2023 Phillips Chris 10 February 2023 Southend United have medical cover to ensure Trophy tie is played Echo Retrieved 10 February 2023 Ron Martin Southend United owner says debts deadline is tight but club will not be wound up BBC Sport 11 February 2023 Retrieved 14 February 2023 Phillips Chris 24 February 2023 Southend United s players still waiting to be paid Echo Retrieved 25 February 2023 Phillips Chris 27 February 2023 Southend United players receive wages for January Echo Retrieved 28 February 2023 Southend United pay 1 4m HMRC bill before winding up petition court date BBC Sport 28 February 2023 Retrieved 28 February 2023 Southend United Court dismisses winding up petition against National League club BBC Sport 1 March 2023 Retrieved 1 March 2023 Phillips Chris 28 February 2023 Southend United remain in transfer embargo Echo Retrieved 28 February 2023 Phillips Chris 28 February 2023 Southend United sponsors angry and threaten legal action Echo Retrieved 28 February 2023 Combined supporters groups of Southend United have their say Echo 28 February 2023 Retrieved 1 March 2023 Southend United launch process to explore the sale of the Football Club or new Investment Partners www southendunited co uk 17 March 2023 Retrieved 17 March 2023 Southend United Chairman Ron Martin reveals plans to sell the club BBC Sport 17 March 2023 Retrieved 18 March 2023 Phillips Chris 20 March 2023 Shrimpers Trust Southend United must own new ground Echo Retrieved 20 March 2023 Phillips Chris 14 April 2023 PG Site Services confirm they will stop sponsoring Southend United Echo Retrieved 17 April 2023 Southend United Backroom staff awaiting pay for March and April BBC Sport 30 April 2023 Retrieved 30 April 2023 Southend United HMRC serve National League club with another winding up petition BBC Sport 4 May 2023 Retrieved 4 May 2023 Phillips Chris 17 May 2023 Southend United s winding up petition adjourned for 56 days Echo Retrieved 19 May 2023 MacInnes Paul 16 May 2023 As Southend face 18th winding up petition is there hope for the future Guardian Retrieved 18 May 2023 Southend United Winding up petition against National League club adjourned until 12 July BBC Sport 17 May 2023 Retrieved 18 May 2023 Phillips Chris 11 May 2023 Southend United chairman Ron Martin slammed by financial expert Echo Retrieved 12 May 2023 Southend United Court order granted to allow club to pay players and accountants BBC Sport 31 May 2023 Retrieved 31 May 2023 Southend United Back of house staff still unpaid after judge unfreezes bank account BBC Sport 5 June 2023 Retrieved 5 June 2023 Phillips Chris 2 July 2023 Players and staff wait for wages at Southend United Echo Retrieved 4 July 2023 Phillips Chris 3 July 2023 Southend United players halt pre season training Echo Retrieved 4 July 2023 Phillips Chris 5 July 2023 Midex PRO to stop backing Southend United Echo Retrieved 6 July 2023 Southend United High Court gives club another 42 days to complete sale BBC News 12 July 2023 Retrieved 12 July 2023 Phillips Chris 12 July 2022 Finance expert fears Southend United are heading same way as Bury Echo Retrieved 14 July 2023 Southend United Ron Martin willing to accept 1 for shareholding and 4 5m for ground BBC Sport 17 July 2023 Retrieved 18 July 2023 Phillips Chris 20 July 2023 Kimura provide update on bid to buy Southend United Echo Retrieved 20 July 2023 Phillips Chris 20 July 2023 Businessmen hold talks in bid to save Southend United Echo Retrieved 21 July 2023 Phillips Chris 31 July 2023 Southend United chairman Ron Martin says fans are putting people off Echo Retrieved 31 July 2023 Lewis Katy Harrison Sian 21 July 2023 Southend United Court allows club to pay 300k to stay in league BBC Sport Retrieved 22 July 2023 Storey Daniel 22 July 2023 Southend United need one last great escape to avoid an all but certain death i News Retrieved 22 July 2023 Southend United pays staff after three month delay BBC News 26 July 2023 Retrieved 26 July 2023 Phillips Chris 25 July 2023 Southend United staff paid their wages after three month wait Echo Retrieved 26 July 2023 Phillips Chris 1 August 2023 Southend United staff receive July wages on time Echo Retrieved 2 August 2023 National League Statement Southend United F C Retrieved 26 July 2023 Phillips Chris 15 August 2023 Tara Brady failed in bid to buy Southend United Echo Retrieved 16 August 2023 Phillips Chris 23 August 2023 Southend United given final adjournment to pay off tax bill Echo Retrieved 23 August 2023 Slater Matt 23 August 2023 Southend set for 10 point deduction as debt payment deadline extended until October The Athletic Retrieved 23 August 2023 National League Statement Southend United National League Retrieved 23 August 2023 Phillips Chris 4 September 2023 Southend United submit appeal against points deduction Echo Retrieved 7 September 2023 BBC Radio Essex X formerly Twitter Retrieved 25 August 2023 Chris Phillips X formerly Twitter Retrieved 25 August 2023 Chris Phillips 23 August 2023 Australian leading consortium to buy Southend United Echo Retrieved 23 August 2023 Southend United deducted 10 points following final 42 day deadline to find buyer BBC Sport 23 August 2023 Retrieved 23 August 2023 Farmer Brian 23 August 2023 Judge gives Southend United more time to clear tax debt but issues warning Independent Retrieved 23 August 2023 Phillips Chris 24 August 2023 Southend United chairman unsure if club will be sold by court deadline Echo Retrieved 25 August 2023 Southend United Council votes to help secure future of football club BBC News 7 September 2023 Retrieved 8 September 2023 Sexton Christine 8 September 2023 Southend Council could invest 4 5million to buy Roots Hall Echo Retrieved 8 September 2023 Phillips Chris 18 September 2023 Southend United court hearing today never started Echo Retrieved 19 September 2023 Phillips Chris 19 September 2023 Match report Southend United 2 Maidenhead United 0 Echo Retrieved 20 September 2023 Justin Rees provides update on his bid to buy Southend United Echo 20 September 2023 Retrieved 20 September 2023 Phillips Chris 23 September 2023 Hundreds of Southend United fans protest against Ron Martin Echo Retrieved 25 September 2023 Shepard Kit 25 September 2023 Southend fans refusing to let club die Times Retrieved 25 September 2023 Southend United 1 2 AFC Fylde BBC Sport 23 September 2023 Retrieved 25 September 2023 CLUB STATEMENT SALE OF THE CLUB www southendunited co uk 3 October 2023 Retrieved 3 October 2023 Southend United Sale of National League side delayed by legal formalities BBC Sport 21 October 2023 Retrieved 21 October 2023 Southend Utd takeover deal close consortium confirms BBC News 15 November 2023 Retrieved 16 November 2023 Sexton Christine 4 October 2023 Southend United agreement to see club stay at Roots Hall Echo Retrieved 4 October 2023 Southend United National League club agree takeover by Australian led consortium BBC Sport 3 October 2023 Retrieved 4 October 2023 Phillips Chris 4 October 2023 Southend United s winding up order dismissed at High Court Echo Retrieved 4 October 2023 Giles David 2 March 2007 Updated Blues boss in fraud probe Basildon Canvey Southend Echo Retrieved 22 April 2021 Giles David 23 October 2007 Updated Blues boss arrested Basildon Canvey Southend Echo Retrieved 22 April 2021 Football chairman in fraud probe BBC News 22 October 2007 Retrieved 22 April 2021 Smith Laura 18 December 2008 Blues boss released without charge Basildon Canvey Southend Echo Retrieved 22 April 2021 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ron Martin businessman amp oldid 1185416139, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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