THE long-running saga of the proposed Fossetts Farm stadium has taken a new and unexpected turn with the emergence of British Land as a key player.

Southend United has launched new plans, which include radical additions. More than 200 residential properties, a 12-screen cinema and 35 retail and restaurant units have now been added.

British Land, according to the club, is in the final negotiations to sign a deal to back this scheme financially. If implemented in full, the new-look Fossetts Farm will emerge as an out-of-town leisure complex to rival Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park.

This is exciting stuff, but Fossetts Farm has suffered so many delays and setbacks down the years, it would be premature to start rejoicing, at least until the ink is dry on the British Land deal.

Meanwhile, the new plans raise a significant question.

What has happened to Sainsbury? Funding for the new stadium was originally dependent on the supermarket chain’s purchase of the old Roots Hall stadium, as the site for a new supermarket.

Supermarket construction around the country is now being cancelled or mothballed, so where does this leave the Roots Hall site?

Whatever the answer, Southend FC may well emerge stronger and wealthier. If British Land fund Fossetts Farm, the Blues can use the money fromRoots Hall for other purposes – including the purchase of top class players.