A NEW landlord has stepped in to take control of a pub beloved by Southend United fans after its former operator “quit at short notice”.

The Spread Eagle pub, in Victoria Avenue, closed yesterday but bosses have confirmed it will re-open its doors under new management on Friday.

Jamie Foster, landlord at the Old Garrison pub, in Shoebury, has stepped in to take control of the pub and ensure it remains open for business.

According to Jamie, the former landlord handed back the keys to brewery, Star Pubs, leaving the future of the pub in doubt.

Bar manager Katy Ward took to Facebook earlier this week to announce the pub would be closing, much to her devastation.

However, Jamie has insisted that Katy will remain in place and revealed he was persuaded to take on the pub after seeing her determination to keep the venue up and running.

Jamie said: “It has been a great thing to take over and I have been in this game for over 20 years, Katy also has tonnes of experience and what is needed is this fresh pair of eyes and someone who is as driven as Katy to make it work.

“This is not just for the both of us, this is for the people of Southend, and I am aware I am entering a pub that is much loved, to help it.

“I am good at negotiating with the brewery and while I don’t want to lose focus of the Old Garrison and wont be spending tonnes of time at the Eagle, I want to be at the end of the phone, making sure beer is in the tap and I don’t feel the place has had that in a long time.”

Jamie claimed that the recent saga regarding the former operator has lead to confusion, leading to Katy making a public petition to ensure she could keep her managerial role at the Spread Eagle.

“Things can only get better, I am community-lead and community driven and I believe that the people make the pub,” he said.

The Spread Eagle is set to reopen this Friday after its brief closure, with a return to normality.

Star Pubs has confirmed the pub will open on Friday under Jamie.