Football club launches official membership scheme

A football club has launched an official membership scheme for its supporters who "want to go the extra mile".

Southend United described it as "not a traditional membership scheme; it is a collective, fan-powered movement".

The National League side hopes fans will pay £10 a month to join Only Blue.

Supporters would receive exclusives, be entered into monthly prize draws and offered priority windows in ticket sales, said a club spokesperson.

The scheme has been launched ahead of the new football season and in time to mark the Shrimpers' 120th anniversary.

The spokesperson said: "Every penny raised from the Only Blue membership programme will be ring-fenced directly into the football department.

"The club will provide regular updates throughout the season, including quarterly communications and an annual Only Blue impact report, ensuring supporters can clearly see how their backing is helping drive Southend United forward."

Last month, Southend appointed the former England, Newcastle United and Ipswich Town midfielder Kieron Dyer as its head coach, replacing Kevin Maher, who was sacked in May.

He had just clinched their first domestic trophy the FA Trophy at Wembley.

The Shrimpers have been in the fifth tier since 2021, and their latest quest for promotion ended in play-off defeat.

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