Once again I find myself necessarily distracted from the Club's main objectives to respond to irresponsible reporting by the Echo.

I know supporters are well aware that the headlines and selected quotes - nearly always out of context - are done entirely for reasons of selling more papers.

Geoffrey King's website statement about Alex Revell was generic. The rationale for Alex going out on loan to make way for a new player or two was the Manager's decision; ditto Kevin Betsy. I have had a number of one to one conversations with Alex and we all know he is a great lad together with a fantastic ambassador for the Club. He is enthusiastic, energetic and plays with a smile. What was NOT reported was Steve Tilson told Alex over two weeks ago that he proposed for Alex go out on loan. Since that time we had approaches from Torquay and Luton that did not suit Alex and then last Sunday from Swindon that did suit Alex.

If the Manger wants new faces (and I agree he probably needs them) then carrying over £200,000 cost of wages is not good business. We have a good defence, great midfield but Steve feels we need to add to the cutting edge - I agree. As soon as the loan window opens next week we will back on the trail but Steve does not want to just bring in another body - he has to make a difference. Talking about making a difference - Macca makes a difference and that is why I could not agree to Millwall's initial bid of £200k.

Alex may return in January but Swindon has an option to purchase. In the meantime the Club, of course, wishes him all the best.

As far as the "duet" between the Echo and Spencer Prior, that was nothing but a disgrace and a calamity in misrepresentation that will now come back and bite them both. I will not allow Southend United to be used and Spencer suggesting it is the Club's responsibility to pay the Little Havens Children's Hospice is outrageous. The Club has never been any part of Spencer Prior's discussions.

I was so appalled by the low moral tactics employed, and majored on by the Echo, that I telephoned Little Havens yesterday to understand the position. I was told there is no written agreement; merely that at one time Spencer Prior had said "there may be around £10,000". I yesterday sent £10,000 to Little Havens as, I repeat, I will not have Southend United's fantastic name for all its community and charity work abused.

The Echo are, of course, absolutely culpable. Never in ten years have I found it necessary to suggest our lawyers write on a matter such as this;

• The Echo said the match raised £40,000
• The Echo come to every match and knew 892 people attended at prices ranging £10 for adults and £2 for children.
• Chris Philips knew and confirmed the match did not raise £40,000 - but they still went into print.
• The Editor, Martin McNeil now says lamely "Oh sorry there must have been a misunderstanding". Not on our part but again conveniently on the part of the Echo
• The Spencer Prior "trial by newspaper" was FRONT and BACK page news
• Look at today's copy, and you will see an attempt at an apology in the inside back cover.
• The Echo says the Club have a contractual obligation of £40,000 to Spencer (less what he might have paid to charity). The principal contract expired over 12 months ago and it is only because we are honest, morally correct individuals running your Club that we agreed to hold a benefit match for Spencer Prior this year.
• For the record the net receipts raised at the match were NOT £40,000 but just over £4,000 - what a difference a nought makes Mr McNeil.

And nought is precisely the future cooperation the Echo will now receive from Southend United.

I should applaud the passion in defence of your Club and always will do. But the Echo created a situation purely for their own gain. Your passion and my passion should be joined in positive support of the Club; not fighting a rear guard action against trashy newspaper articles. Our local paper seems intent on destruction, glorifying anything into bad news, ferreting to find something negative to sell a few move copies and living off the Football Club whilst insidiously undermining everything about it. Interestingly I am told Martin McNeil is a Colchester supporter but would hope that would not colour his approach.

We are bigger than this, having made enormous progress in recent years. Our time will come. Indeed is coming - do not assist the Echo in destroying that. We should pull together not undo all the good work. Infighting is divisive.

Remember united we stand divided we fall - and we are United. Southend United. Let's remind the O's of that tomorrow.