{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/648ae58b4abad20011065e56/699f2c8ad15b2c2a124a32b3?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Justin Rees ","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/648ae58b4abad20011065e56/1772038843506-3dafdeb6-81ff-43a1-86e2-f212df864707.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><strong>The Custard Splat: In Conversation with Southend United Chairman Justin Rees</strong></p><p><br></p><p>This is the big one.</p><p><br></p><p>In our most in-depth episode to date, we sit down with Southend United Chairman Justin Rees for a proper, long-form conversation about the future of the football club.</p><p><br></p><p>With the takeover completed in 2024 and COSU now firmly in control, this episode tackles the questions supporters have been asking around sustainability, promotion, infrastructure, governance and long-term ambition.</p><p><br></p><h3>Chapters</h3><p><br></p><h3>🧭 The Five-Year Plan</h3><p>When did the clock actually start?</p><p>What does year five realistically look like?</p><p>Is promotion built into that timeline?</p><p>And what does “success” mean inside the boardroom?</p><p><br></p><h3>🏛 COSU &amp; Governance</h3><p>How does the consortium actually operate behind the scenes?</p><p>Who leads on finance, commercial, infrastructure and football matters?</p><p>How is investment structured within COSU?</p><p>And what governance protections are in place?</p><p><br></p><h3>⚽ Director of Football &amp; Football Structure</h3><p>Why is a Director of Football being explored?</p><p>What would that role bring?</p><p>And what would success look like in year one?</p><p><br></p><h3>💰 Budgets, Sustainability &amp; Financial Oversight</h3><p>We discuss the wider National League budget debate (including comparisons with Forest Green Rovers) and what financial sustainability really means for Southend United.</p><p>What position did COSU inherit?</p><p>Where does the club stand financially today?</p><p>What safeguards protect potential Fossett’s Farm development funds?</p><p>This is about building properly - not just spending loudly.</p><p><br></p><h3>⚖️ Ambition vs Sustainability: Getting The Balance Right</h3><p>How do you take supporters on the journey of balancing the books after years of financial mismanagement?</p><p>Is being a sustainable National League club the platform for long-term success in the EFL?</p><p>How do you avoid repeating past mistakes while still chasing promotion?</p><p><br></p><h3>🏗 Fossett’s Farm &amp; The East Stand</h3><p>What’s the realistic timeline?</p><p>How connected are the two projects?</p><p>What happens if timelines shift?</p><p>And practically speaking - with 7,000 average home supporters - how would matchdays function during redevelopment?</p><p><br></p><h3>🚻 Roots Hall &amp; Matchday Experience</h3><p>From facilities to phased improvements - how does the long-term vision align with the week-to-week supporter experience?</p><h3><br></h3><p>🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts &amp; all major platforms.</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Custard Splat "}