United chairman Firoz Kassam has finally come out with his announcement about the club’s future. He has stated that he is not going to sell and that he is going to move the club and other associated businesses forward. According to Kassam he “had one serious offer from an outside source and one discussion with a local consortium but nothing came from those.”

The statement, which comes the day before the opening of the Bowlplex at the O-Zone, also referred to Ian Atkins’ position at United. Kassam reiterated that Atkins is still under contract at United “and if he walks away I will make sure he doesn?t work anywhere else for six months at least!” He also confirmed that Atkins has an automatic extension to his contract, plus a hefty bonus, should United get promotion. Kassam told United’s official web site “I also said to him that if a First or Second Division side came in for him I would be flattered for him and would consider my position. But not Southend for sure. That?s not a place for him to even consider.”

In the interview Kassam also said that he would consider giving 90% of the current squad offers of new contracts. He obviously didn’t name names, but there must be three players who are now nervously looking over their shoulders!