On 17 March 2026, Southend United FC announced it is turning a historic local pub into a dedicated space for supporters in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. The club is converting the former Spread Eagle pub into a fan hub called The Blue Eagle to give fans a new place to meet on matchdays.
The project involves a full refurbishment costing approximately £270,000 to update the building, which is located near the Roots Hall stadium. As part of this work, the club is spending £40,000 to create an outdoor fan zone at the back of the property.
This new outdoor area will feature large sports screens and a covered pagoda to protect visitors from the weather. The club intends for the venue to be open and operational for the final home match of the current National League season.
By transforming the pub into a club-managed site, the team aims to preserve the local landmark and provide a better experience for fans attending games. The name The Blue Eagle was chosen to link the historic building to the identity of the football club, which is often known as The Blues.
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