The Government's Public Inquiry into the Blues new stadium came to a close this afternoon at the Civic Centre, Southend.

Hundreds of Blues supporters turned out in force once more to hear the final summing up before the Inspectorate files his report.

United's QC, Christopher Lockhart-Mummery, reiterated the Club's need for a new 22,000 all-seater facility along with a shopping, hotel and conferencing facilities.

The summing up was the result of 10 months of work since Southend and Rochford Council's backed the plans at the start of the year.

And Chairman Ron Martin was happy with the way proceedings had gone, ahead of learning the Secretary of State's decision in the coming months.

"We put together a very robust planning case," he said.

"There wasn't many, if any objectors, which was a positive and we hope the Inspectorate has seen the level of support for the application.

"I don't like being in League One, and whilst our fans at times witness some good football I want to give them some excellent football in fantastic surroundings.

"The development will be something for the whole of the town and whilst I don't wish to second guess the outcome we now have to cross our fingers for a favourable decision."

Meanwhile, Southend's longest serving player - Club Captain Kevin Maher - is also keen to see a favourable outcome.

"It's been going on for a while now and I'm hoping the Chairman gets the decision he wants," said Maher.

"We all want to be in the Championship but to stay there we need to compete, the stadium will enable us to do that."

Blues were informed during this afternoon's proceedings that the Inspectorate would file his report at the very latest by Friday, December 7.

It is expected that the Club will learn the outcome from the Secretary of State towards the end of 2007 - beginning of 2008.

The management wishes to place on record its gratitude to all fans for their support over the recent weeks and months.