SOUTHEND United’s fans have their say on Ron Martin’s decision to back Blues boss Chris Powell amid his side’s bad run of form.

Decision has been made and got to respect it. Get right behind the team starting Saturday. Great idea by Ron for free coach travel for this too happen.

@ianbush95

Have to accept it and move forward, no time to moan about it. This is when the players need us most and we can make a difference. Eight cup finals to go.

@archiellinnud

It is brilliant regarding the coach, but uncle Ron needs to open his eyes.

@mitchjesse

If there’s one quality that Ron has it’s the lack of a hire and fire mentality. That approach gets many clubs nowhere and in some cases into big trouble. Look at Chesterfield and Orient for example. Fine lines at play here win at an out of form Posh and we are looking up.

@shrimpersaway

In a way his patience with managers should be applauded as most clubs sack managers too easily. But we are going down under Powell.

@moorhouse79

Not convinced with his argument. We have not missed Oxley. In defence we have put out a solid defence with senior and youth players. CP has had his preferred midfield ALL season. Biggest problem has been we now have only one senior striker at this key stage. Total mismanagement!

@johnfrench52Sky

Too easy for a chairman to sack a manager when things don’t go to plan. Pleased with Ron Martin for sticking by Powell and putting some trust in him.

@karlcarumba

Think he was talking a lot of sense. Big call to keep Powell and I hope it works out and we stay up. Also respect for the free coaches.

@johnnysmithSS9

A sensible decision. We need to take the long term view. Taking a snap decision and going down anyway would be a lot worse than going down with Chris and his staff and giving a chance to rebuild and get us back up. There’s eight games to go!

@prittlewell142

Bad decision by Ron, it has been so obvious all season that CP is a terrible tactician and the football played has been a shambles.

@mark30995080