Roots Hall has been the home of my local football team, Southend United, since 1955. It's one of those old stadiums that's definitely fraying around the edges and is neatly tucked in amongst rows of houses and suburban streets. In the 1990s a move to a new out-of-town stadium was proposed and the plans have rumbled on ever since. At the time of this project, it seemed likely that building work would finally begin in the following year or two, so I wanted to document the old ground (and the team's supporters) before it's bulldozed. There are good reasons for moving, not least financial ones and the need for better facilities such as disabled access; but to me it's part of the local community, with a real character of its own, and — if it happens — it will be sad to see it relocate to an identikit stadium surrounded by fields.
