Southend Manor Announce New Takeover

Essex Senior League side Southend Manor have confirmed today that chairman Steven Robinson has given up ownership of the 64 year old club to a new man in the form of Jerry Omango who has been behind running Leyton United in recent times.

Manor have faced a mixed period in regards to success with only two top half finishes in the Essex Senior League during Robinson’s seven years as owner of the club respectively whilst few cup runs have happened at the club who averaged at about 50-70 people a home game last season.

Omango said:

“Southend Manor is a massive club within the town and community. This club has great potential and that’s a key reason for me purchasing Southend Manor. I have been looking to buy a club for nearly two years and when this came up, it was a fantastic opportunity to come into a club in senior football at step five.

I want to take the club forward and the club has lots of potential and great heritage. The club should be a massive part of the town and community. At the moment, I don’t feel it is but that is the plan.

Steve has stabilised the club during his seven years as chairman and it is in a good position in terms of finances. He will be staying around to support the transition.”

Omango has worked in grassroots football for much of the last 17 years at Leyton United. He is also keen on getting the community involved whilst enjoying success. He said…

“I am really keen to get the community involved in the club. I want to embrace the local community, schools and youth. Its important to structure the club in my way and start to build a successful first team and youth academy.

The community is massive and we want families coming to the games and becoming part of the club given we want young children to have a place to play football and enjoy it.”

Manager Adam Peek has been given his blessing by new man Omango to take the club forward on the pitch. Peek has been manager since November 2017 where he succeeded Stuart Marshall who was in the role for 21 months before resigning.

The 50-year-old is also looking to renovate the clubhouse at some point soon in hope it’ll bring in new amounts of cash to the club and he has admitted that children under 16 will be accepted into home games at their Southchurch Park ground for free this upcoming season.

Omango is also hoping with his takeover completed and his aims having now been revealed, it’ll bring local businesses out to support the clubs work by sponsoring them ahead of the new season. If you are interested in seeking information, please contact southendmanorfc@hotmail.com.

Manor finished in 17th place last season following a tough campaign which involved a relegation battle with Tower Hamlets, Sawbridgeworth Town and a resurgent Barkingside who managed to pick up a good run of form towards the end of the season despite looking buried at the bottom of the Essex Senior League table at Christmas. They also managed a run to the 4th round of the Essex Senior Cup before losing 5-0 to East Thurrock United.