Football Season Guide

Ron Martin remains a controversial figure as Southend United owner following their return to League 2 after five seasons in League 1. The Shrimpers stayed on goal difference on the final day of the 2018/19 season but that feat was never likely to be repeated as they suffered a nightmare 2019/20 season which culminated in relegation. Sol Campbell took over in October and made a practical decision to blood some talented youngsters with a view to bouncing back in League 2. The club were beset by financial problems and were doomed well before the Covid-19 pandemic brought the campaign to a premature end. Campbell even deferred his wages during lockdown before leaving by mutual consent at the end of June. Mark Molesley has been appointed as his successor, having enjoyed an impressive spell with Weymouth, where he guided them into the National League. It’s a brave decision from Molesley, who will have to deal with continued financial problems and another winding-up order due to be heard in Court. At the time of writing the club are still under a transfer embargo and have made just the one addition in the loan signing of winger Jordan Green from Barnsley. A handful of players have made their expected departures and there is plenty of work to do before the transfer window closes in October.