GARY Lockett is to step down as Southend United’s chief executive, the Echo can reveal.

Lockett has been in the role at Roots Hall for the past seven months.

But he is now expected to return to being a non-executive director.

The reasons for Lockett’s departure have not yet been revealed.

However, his decision to step down will soon be confirmed in a club statement.

Lockett, who is a lifelong fan of Blues, replaced Tara Brady in March to work alongside chairman Ron Martin .

But his departure comes as another blow for Southend after the Echo revealed last week that the club were also under a transfer embargo.