‘How did that get through!’ – Fans in stitches over Southend’s new stand name – the Gilbert & Rose West Stand
FOOTBALL fans have been left in disbelief after Southend United revealed they had renamed part of their ground the Gilbert & Rose West Stand.
The Conference National club, who were relegated from the Football League for the first time in 101 years in 2021, have begun trending after the unfortunate error.
Southend supporters have raised concerns with the club for using “Rose West” as part of the rename at Roots Hall due to the associations with the infamous serial killer.
It is local estate agents Gilbert & Rose that have agreed to sponsor the club.
They have already included the new name of the stand on both their website and season ticket cards, which would mean there would be a cost for them to change it again.
The issue was raised at a meeting between club chiefs and supporters this week.
READ MORE FOOTBALL
Southend are now set to reconsider the name and will hold talks with estate agent company Gilbert & Rose.
A statement read: "They are a fantastic local estate agents and we look forward to working with them during this partnership, which will include a number of community projects."
Options include the 'Gilbert & Rose Stand', the 'West Stand sponsored by Gilbert & Rose' or the 'G&R West Stand'.
The embarrassing gaffe has sparked a lot of conversation on social media.
Most read in Sport
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
A Southend fan, named Paul Napper, tweeted: “Only Southend United could have a sponsor for the West Stand called Gilbert & Rose, inevitably leading to the Gilbert & Rose West Stand.”
Another asked: “Who at @SUFCRootsHall allowed our West stand to be named after a murderer?”
A fellow supporter wrote: “It was never going to be good publicity to be associated with one of Britain’s most evil families.”
While another said: “Probably best not to name your stand after Rose West!”
Southend begin their National League season with a home clash against Boreham Wood on Saturday.
