It's been a while since I wrote to supporters and with the season almost upon us I thought it would be helpful if I let you have my pre season thoughts and expectations.

The disappointment of Doncaster is still - unfortunately - vivid in my mind. However the torture of defeat was softened by our 2,000 unbelievable fans. I so wished the team could have won rewarding all those travelling supporters with a trip to Wembley. However that was not to be and we now face another year in League 1 but with our ambition in no way diminished.

Several players have left the Club in the close season but many were considered just not good enough to compete at this level.

The exception - in my view - was Mark Gower. The Club had started negotiations with Mark (and his agent) several weeks before the end of the season and discussions, from both sides, were, so we thought, progressing well.

Indeed just when we believed terms were agreed with the agent, Mark said to Steve Tilson that if the Club could improve the offer to - such and such - he would sign. I immediately and without reluctance sanctioned the request. Mark then started talking to other clubs and the rest - as they say - is history.

I cannot blame Mark for joining Swansea City - they are a good club and I wish him well.

I feel Mark is a loss but we will not break our wage structure to meet players or indeed their agent's demands. To do so would be the road to ruin and when your club is so positively poised it would be foolish to now rock the boat.

Some might say that "losing" Darryl Flahavan was a mistake but I agree with the Manager's decision - for whilst Flavs was a great shot stopper his lack of height was an impediment to commanding his area - which itself also puts pressure on the defence.

I do not know whether Darryl will be happy as a substitute goal keeper but nevertheless he was a great servant of SUFC and I again wish him all the best at Crystal Palace.

We should also not forget Kevin Maher's fabulous contribution over the years. We will of course meet Kevin again at Oldham Athletic!

With so many departures I can understand supporter's nervousness at the apparent lack of players with just two days before we start the campaign.

The fact is that Steve Tilson is very sensibly selecting players that specifically fit the criteria - rather than just "numbers of bodies" and that process takes time and energy. Over the past few weeks I too have been a little surprised in not having received more requests to sanction the signing of incoming players but I do know just how active Steve, Paul Brush and our scouting network have been in identifying targets - not just in terms of footballing ability but also their desire to play for Southend United.

I would rather have an enthusiastic player committed to the Club - and perhaps of a little less quality - than a "better footballer" who was just here to pick up the wages.

We have in the past had one or two of those but now - whilst the squad maybe small -it is nevertheless a dedicated group of quality individuals. That said Steve is very conscious reinforcements are still required, to improve depth, and as always he will continue to have my full backing to make those signings.

Indeed as I write this note we are signing Anthony Grant from Chelsea and a little later this evening an experienced forward/wide player from a Championship Club should put pen to paper.

Tomorrow we hope to sign a left back and are also in serious discussions to bring in another centre half.

It is a fickle business with agents often meddling and not helping anyone's cause!

Steve's aim at the end of last season was to have circa 18 players supported by our younger home grown - for if we are serious about building a sustainable infrastructure we must integrate our youth. We will continue to monitor the position enlisting more players as necessary when the right individuals are found. Often August throws up one or two surprises!

Either way it is our absolute intention to mount a campaign that all our supporters can be proud as your club gathers momentum for its move to the new stadium.

Many of you will know that the Secretary of State eventually gave the final approval at the beginning of July.

Whilst we have had to wait longer than we would have wished, providing we can get on site by the year end we can still be playing football in the new stadium in time for the commencement of the 2010 season. The Stadium project is complex, and made all the more challenging by the current climate - but one with which I am fully focused and enjoying.

It is worth reflecting just how far your Club has come in recent years and this next stage will- in my opinion - be the most exciting in the Club's entire history.

It is really important we maintain the upward spiral on and off the pitch and a return to the Championship is vital. As each year ticks by the financial gap between League 1 widens with Championship Clubs receiving, on average, £1.7m from TV Rights and Solidarity payments alone more than us. Quite apart from the increased commercial/marketing monies - all of which magnifies the fierce competition for players. I am determined your Club will not be left behind whilst of course continuing to exercise prudent management. Luton's plight is a lesson to us all.

I started this note by praising you - our supporters - for the brilliant vocal endorsement of the Club at Doncaster. You may not appreciate just how much that means and only serves to underpin my own efforts to continue Southend United's success for what is increasingly becoming a shining light in our community.

Long may your support continue whilst I beaver away in the background to nurture the Club's growth.

I hope as many of you as possible will be able to attend on Saturday to help your team start the season in the only way we know how, and that's winning!

Up the Blues,

Ron Martin