Ron Martin (businessman)

Ronald "Ron" Martin (born 1953) is a British businessman, Chief Executive of Martin Dawn PLC, a United Kingdom based property development company. He is also the current chairman of Southend United Football Club.^[1][2]

"Martin Dawn PLC" and "Delancey Estates" together forming "South Eastern Leisure (SEL)" took control of Southend United in November 1998,^[3] from former chairman Vic Jobson, who at the time owned a 55% issued share capital of the business.^[4] John Main took over Vic Jobson as Southend United chairman, and later in 2000 majority ownership of the club was gained by Ron Martin.^[5]

Athletics

Ron Martin was a member of Great Britain's Olympic Bobsleigh team in 1980. He has also ran the third best time for the UK for 3 miles.^[6][7]

Southend United

Martin's development company 'Martin Dawn PLC' took control of Southend United in late 1998.^[8] Martin brought out the charges over Roots Hall from Lloyds Banking Group in 1998 for £4m, clearing the clubs debts.^[9]

Southend United Financial Troubles

In November 2009, Ron Martin avoided Southend United going into administration by agreeing to settle a £2.1million tax bill by 6 November.^[10] Ron Martin has blamed the size of their debts on their relegation from the Championship in 2007 and their proposed move away from their current home at Roots Hall.^[11]

References