Southend Council Joins Calls to Increase Wembley Allocation
The leader of Southend City Council has joined mounting calls for an increased fan allocation for Southend United’s upcoming play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
With excitement building across the city, concerns have grown over the limited number of tickets currently available for the Shrimpers’ loyal supporters. The club is preparing for one of its most significant matches in recent history, and both fans and local leaders believe the current allocation does not reflect the scale of the occasion.
Councillor Tony Cox, Leader of Southend City Council, has now stepped forward to publicly urge the Football Association and relevant authorities to reconsider the number of tickets made available for Southend fans.
“This is a momentous occasion for our city and our football club,” said Cllr Cox. “Southend United has shown incredible resilience and determination this season, and the play-off final represents not just a sporting achievement, but a symbol of community pride. The current allocation is simply not enough to meet demand, and we’re calling on the FA to allow more of our residents and supporters the chance to be there and back the team.”
Southend United are due to face their opponents at the national stadium in a fixture that could determine promotion hopes and provide a financial boost for the club. With Wembley’s capacity exceeding 90,000, frustration has been voiced at the decision to allocate only around 20,000 tickets per team for the final—despite the potential for far greater turnout and space.
Supporters’ groups have echoed the council’s sentiments, arguing that thousands of loyal fans may miss out on witnessing a historic moment for the club. Many have already expressed concern on social media and forums, urging officials to reconsider what they call a “needlessly restrictive” ticket policy.
Cllr Cox added: “We understand the need for safety and logistics, but Wembley is more than capable of accommodating far more fans, especially when both clubs have such passionate and sizeable followings. This is a time to celebrate football, not limit it.”
Southend United themselves have remained in dialogue with the EFL and Wembley officials regarding ticket availability. A club spokesperson confirmed they are doing everything possible to ensure maximum support in the stands.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the backing we’ve received from the council and our fanbase,” the spokesperson said. “The players thrive on the energy our supporters bring, and we’re committed to ensuring as many of them as possible can share this experience.”
As the big day approaches, anticipation in Southend continues to grow. The team has enjoyed strong form in recent weeks, sparking hope that this could be the year they return to a higher tier of English football.
Whether or not the allocation is increased remains to be seen, but the message from Southend is clear: this city is ready to rally behind its team, and it wants as many voices as possible ringing out at Wembley.
Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
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