How former Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp could have been plotting the Blues' downfall this term with Southend

In an interview with the Southend Echo, the Shrimpers chief said he called the Blues’ 2008 FA Cup-winning boss after parting company with Chris Powell in March 2019.

At the time, the League One side were 20th in the table, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, and operating with a budget which Martin claims was bigger than Pompey’s.

They needed someone in to secure their safety.

So the Southend owner Martin turned to Redknapp, someone he already knew, to see if he was interested.

But the man who also guided Pompey to their Great Escape in 2006, was unavailable and instead recommended his former No2 Kevin Bond for the role.

Bond, who also served under Alan Ball at Fratton Park, subsequently saved the Shrimpers from the drop, before resigning last September following a run of six defeats.

Martin said: ‘I called to Harry Redknapp at that time because I know him.

‘I didn’t know he couldn’t cover the six games at the time but learnt he was conflicted due to his BetVictor position.

‘He recommended Kevin Bond, who had worked with him for 480 games, that seemed like a good idea at the time.

‘If I look back now I would say I made a mistake.

‘It might sound a little conceited but I was very close to the players in those six games (Bond took charge at the end of last season) and I hope that I contributed a little bit to the success we had.’

Martin, who now has Sol Campbell – Pompey’s 2008 Cup-wining skipper – at the helm added: ‘I thought we might have started some kind of continuity with him (Bond, this season).

‘I liked his attitude but he wasn’t strong enough as a manager and the rest is history.

‘Perhaps he could have departed a game or two before he did and the period with Gary Waddock managing the ship was too long.’

Speaking about the club’s playing budget, Martin said: ‘We had the fifth highest budget last year and probably fourth above Portsmouth after January. This season we’re eighth.

‘There is no direct correlation in the lower Leagues between the amount of money you pay and the success you get.

‘But you would expect it to pay dividends and be better than we’ve doing.’

Southend are currently 22nd in the League One table, 15 points from safety, with Campbell in charge.