A BLUES fan has explained why he confronted Southend United chairman Ron Martin in the club’s car park.

John Campbell, 29, of Southchurch, talked with Martin for 10 minutes ahead of a press conference unveiling Paul Sturrock as the new manager.

Campbell, a supporter for 16 years, said: “The sacking of Steve Tilson was the final straw for me. It made me think that enough was enough.

“That is what many fans are feeling and when you love something you fight for it, and that’s what I decided to do for Southend.I wasn’t at all aggressive towards Ron, but I was angry and I think he needed to see that.”

Campbell attracted Martin’s attention by shouting out to him in the club’s car park. They discussed matters including Tilson and the decision to cancel the contract of captain Adam Barnett and release him on a free transfer.

He said: “We had a manager and a captain we could relate to because they were both Southend fans...and we let them both go.

“We could have got money for Barrett and Alan McCormack, so it’s bad business just letting them go on a free transfer.”

Campbell added: “I respect Ron for coming to talk to me, but 99.9 per cent of fans don’t want a new manager, we want Steve Tilson and we want a new chairman.

“I would also like to thank Tilly for giving me the best days of my supporting life.”

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO