Filling the void (again!)

Southend are in search of yet another chief executive following Gary Lockett's decision to step down this week with immediate effect.

He will remain as a non-executive director but he, as he told the official website, didn't feel that he could "balance the demands of the job" with his own business and private life: 'The role is more demanding than I first appreciated and I have had to juggle my other responsibilities.

'The chairman, quite rightly, is very ambitious for the club's success, as I am. And although Ron originally described the role as 24/7 I perhaps did not appreciate that that is precisely what is required, and to balance my other business interests and meet the club's needs also is simply not practical.

'Nevertheless the chairman has invited me to remain as a non-executive director which I am very happy to do and look forward to helping him and the rest of the board advance the club, including its move to the new stadium.'

Lockett was only appointed in March when he replaced Tara Brady, with The Shrimpers now seeking their third chief executive in just eight-months!

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