YORK City owner Matt Uggla confessed that he considered purchasing Saturday's opponents Southend United before completing his takeover of the Minstermen. 

Uggla has established a fantastic relationship between York and Southend since completing his takeover of the club, donating £10,000 towards the Shrimpers Trust hardship fund to purchase the club and helping to raise money through bucket collection. 

Speaking to the Echo, Uggla explained how he considered purchasing Southend, and looked ahead to Saturday's match at the LNER Community Stadium that sees the Vanarama National League's two bottom sides clash.

“It would definitely have been one of the first choices." Uggla told the Echo.

“It’s a massive club but we did a bit of due diligence on it and the situation is just a headache there.

“After being burnt at Yeovil we just thought do we really want to go down that road again?

“But with York it was quite a simple transaction.

“I’m looking forward to the weekend but it’s a tough test.

“The players have been phenomenal and so has Kev (Maher). To have reacted the way they have is top class.

“I think everyone expected them to struggle but they’ve been unreal and I know the fans are too.”

Uggla also explained the bond between the two clubs and the respect that had been built, describing the two club's as 'amazing'.

“I do feel like a weird special bond with them even though I have nothing to do with it.

“I always look out for their results and hope they’re doing well but obviously this weekend I hope they’re not!

“But it’s honestly been amazing.

“I have friends from down that way so I know people from Southend are great.

“It’s been nice to be able to help a little bit even if it was just a small amount.

“I’m sure someone will come along and hopefully rescue the situation.

“From the outside looking in I thought everyone working in football would be great and would want what’s best for the fans.

“But you soon realise there’s a sinister side to it and one person has the fate of a club so many people love in their hands.

"I saw it at Yeovil and it made me feel a bit sick to the bottom of my stomach that people could behave like that.

“It’s on a much bigger scale at Southend.

“It’s great and it’s great the clubs have a great relationship too.

“I love being here with York but it is stressful!”