Two minutes with… Southend United

There was Tuesday night action at Underhill this week with Southend the visitors. Shrimpers fan, Jamie, gives his views in this instalment of ‘Two minutes with…’.

Pre-match

Had you been to Underhill before?

I’ve been to Underhill about six or seven times now supporting Southend. I’ve always enjoyed standing on the terrace, it’s not far and it has bags of character. It’s a real shame to lose it.

How did you get to the game?

I work in Colchester (*spit) so I drove down to the ground after finishing work at 6pm.

The match

Whereabouts in the ground did you sit/stand?

East Terrace, towards the north end goal.

What did you make of the game?

Southend started well and I thought for the first 15 minutes the gulf in class between the sides was evident. However, our inability to score a first half goal (we haven’t managed one in the league in 2013) cost us as we gave away a needless free kick which was excellently taken and led to Jake Hyde scoring.

After that, we resorted to humping hopeful long balls to Barry Corr and lost our way completely. We allowed Barnet to control the midfield, which to their credit they did very well. We had territorial pressure for much of the second half but never really looked like doing anything with it.

As we pushed forward, we allowed Edgar Davids too much space and he started to make things happen. A second goal on the counter-attack killed the game and was probably no more than the Bees deserved.

Who (from either side) do you think deserved to be man of the match?

I thought Jake Hyde was the first striker to dominate Ryan Cresswell all season – that’s no mean feat. Although Clovis Kamdjo won the official man of the match, I was also impressed with Bondz N’Gala. None of our players should have been anywhere near the MOM award, the pick was probably Britt Assombalonga, but even he couldn’t make any headway.

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

Sadly, yes. The loss of Marc Laird and Michael Timlin through injury has crippled our midfield and we are counting the cost. Barnet played well, tried to play football and were deserved winners.

Who do you play next, and how do you think you’ll get on?

Home to Rotherham on Saturday, we do tend to raise our game against teams higher up in the league, so I’m going to be optimistic and hope we can get a draw.

Ratings

Cost of match day ticket

£16 ––– 7/10

Purchases made at ground

Had a burger from the away end tea bar which was average and took 20 minutes to actually get – but at least you are in view of the pitch ––– 6/10

View

Couple of posts but it’s great to be back on a terrace and sadly I witnessed the whole sorry affair ––– 7/10

Quality of football

From us, 2/10 but Barnet surprised me with the way they played. Trying hard to be objective, a neutral probably would give the game ––– 6/10

Overall experience

Underhill is always a great away trip for us, it’s such a shame the council cannot see its value. A poor result and performance from Southend, but a trip to Barnet is always one of the highlights of the season so I’ll go with ––– 7/10 (would have been higher if you’d let us win as you normally do!)

Total ––– 33/50

Jamie is the editor for the ‘All At Sea’ fanzine, the only fanzine dedicated to Southend United. The website can be found here. And check out their Twitter: @AllAtSeaFanzine

Fans’ season preview 2012/13 – part four

Rochdale

Tom – @Lange88

24^th in League One – “Never seen worse”

Honestly, after last season we didn't have any key players! All our ‘key’ players left the summer beforehand along with our manager! We had a massive clearout and we've brought in a few good signings though. Ryan Edwards is a highly rated defender from Blackburn and looks excellent so far. Tutte in the middle will be a great player some day.

After last season I'd be happy simply seeing good football and passionate players. That's what I've seen so far so I'm encouraged. A play-off push will be a bonus but one I think we're well capable of.

Bradford away is one of my favourite away days, as is Wycombe, so I'd say those two. I'm looking forward to going to York too

Rotherham United

David – @davidrawson

10^th in League Two – “Early promise unfulfilled”

There's been a huge flow of players arriving and leaving over the summer, but most of the players who left in the summer were players that the new manager decided he didn't want. Lewis Grabban, last year's top scorer, was one player it looks like we wanted to keep, but he was keen to move back South, so Bournemouth have the benefit of his enigmatic, but occasional brilliant, talent. Personally, I think we might regret releasing Ryan Cresswell, who joined Southend: if he can stay clear of injury, he's potentially a very good defender, who weighs in with his fair share of goals, too.

I'm not sure that we've got one player who'll net the twenty-odd goals that Grabban did, but there seem to be more goals in the squad as a whole. The central midfield players look particularly impressive, especially Icelandic international Kari Arnason, who, in pre-season, has looked as complete a midfield player as I've seen for many years in the fourth division. Some of the interplay in midfield and the movement of the side has been really good.

Expectations in general are pretty high. Our new ground, the New York Stadium, is terrific and is even better in comparison to the sterile Don Valley Stadium, and that alone has fuelled optimism. The general standard of the players arriving is pretty good and the pre-season performances have been impressive. Promotion, if not expected, is at least a realistic ambition.

Personally, I wonder if we've quite got the efficiency in front of goal to tip the tight games in our favour and there's a question about whether there's enough cover in central defence, if suspensions or injuries really bite. Overall, I think we should be one of the four or five sides in the mix for the automatic promotion places and a top three finish is probably achievable.

I think the games against the more local teams will be the stand out fixtures, especially because I think both Bradford and Chesterfield are likely to be right up there. The Bradford fixtures have a little extra spice, given the mass brawl at Valley Parade, when our manager's former team, Crawley, turned up there last season. Disappointingly, our seaside trip to Fleetwood is on a Tuesday in November.

In truth, though, it's the home fixtures that excite. After being exiled in a half-full athletics stadium for four years, the New York Stadium, where you're right on top of the action and right in the middle of town, is a thrilling experience. We're justifiably proud of it and, for this season at least, it'll probably be more of a highlight than any of the away trips coming up.

Southend United

Gareth – @Bucket_Spade_fc

4^th in League Two – “Very heart breaking”

We haven’t lost any key players in my eyes yet others would disagree with the possibility of losing Bilel. The one summer signing who stood above the rest must be Rotherham captain Cresswell (future Southend captain).

It’ll be another season where on paper we look strong and above 90% of the other teams in League Two, but I can see it being no different to last season so I will say play off spot.

Well the game I was looking forward to was The Wombles, but that's on a Tuesday night now. So I would have to say the only three grounds I haven’t been to in League Two which are Rochdale, Fleetwood and York.

Torquay United

5^th in League Two –

Wycombe Wanderers

Tracy – @Bluebellewwfc

21^st in League One – “Bugger not again...”

The only player I was sad to lose was Ben Strevens, but it was the right decision for both parties. We’ve got some decent players in such as Matt Spring, Gary Doherty and Sam Wood and I expect them all to do well. Got three other new players Richard Logan, Dennis Oli and Lee Angol. If by some miracle we keep the ginger genius, Stuart Beavon he'll do very well I'm sure as will some of the players who came through our Youth system (Anthony Stewart, Charles Dunne, Jesse Kewley-Graham and Josh Scowen).

Expectations aren't that high considering we were recently taken over by our Supporters Trust as money is tight and the focus is very much on stabilising the club. Upper mid table flirting with the playoffs will do me fine.

I'm most looking forward to going to Dagenham in September to meet up with a couple of very good Twitter mates.

York City

Tom – @ycfc_sisso

4^th in Blue Square Premier – “Wembley, trophies, promotion”

We lost James Meradith to Bradford City which was a blow as he’s a talented left back and actionable midfielder; however this loss will open up a place for other defenders like Danny Blanchett. Lee Bullock came back to us as an experienced player. We’ve gained a few strikers and they’ve been playing well in the pre-season matches. Jonathan Smith also came back to York and brings experience with him, John McReady, a midfielder from Darlington is a player to look out for next season, as is Michael Coulson (winger/striker). 

My expectations of next season are good – I personally think the team is strong enough to challenge for a play-off place.

The team I am looking most forward to playing is Oxford United, as we lost to them the last time we got to a play-off final. Fleetwood Town is another team I am looking forward to as they were promoted with us last season and win against them in the Football League would be great. Doncaster in the Capital One Cup is a third, largely because they were the team to send us down to the Conference eight years ago. To play Doncaster in our first competitive game as a League Two club since then seems fitting.

Two minutes with… Southend United

It seems a while since my blog has contained the perspective from opposing fans, what with there being no Aldershot Town fans anywhere (shame on you!). Tuesday night, Southend United were the visitors to Underhill – there seems to be a pattern here emerging, as I write as we missed out on any points once again. Thanks to Southend fan, Scott, @S_Wallace23 for his input.

25/10/11
Barnet 0 – 3 Southend United
(Hall ’17, Mohsni ’36, Harris ’85)
Attendance 2,744 (away 1,216)

How did you get to the game?

I got the coach from Rayleigh Weir at 5 o’clock. It took us about an hour and a half to get to the ground

What did you do pre-match?

I went to the Old Red Lion pub, but it took me a good 20 minutes to get served by one of the staff – there were four working!

Where did you sit/stand in the ground?

Stood on the East Terrace. I was at the back in the corner nearest the home fans, so had some good banter with them.

What did you make of the game?

I couldn’t see a great deal with the people in front of me but from what I did see I thought we played some really good stuff. The manager is rotating the squad which can sometimes be risky – but we seem to be pulling it off and winning games.

Was the scoreline a fair reflection?

I think so, but if the penalty had gone in early on, it could have been a totally different story. One of my mates had a bet on Ryan Hall being first scorer and Southend to win 3-0 so I think the beers are on him on Saturday!

Who, in your opinion was man of the match?

Michael Timlin, who we have on loan from Swindon – not sure how he can’t get into their side. He is a real class act and too good for League 2. Hopefully they can be tempted to let him go permanently in the January window. It’s no coincidence that our unbeaten run has coincided with his run in the side.

Who have you got next and how do you think you'll get on?

We’re away at Macclesfield at the weekend. A coach load of us will be going up there in fancy dress as it is Halloween. Macclesfield are doing well this season but I’m very confident that we’re going to get something from every game at the moment. I’ll say a 2-0 away win.

Thanks Scott

My final word

As much as we can blame the officials for some of the decisions made (particularly the fiasco surrounding Southend’s second goal – it was definitely, as the linesman initially said, offside!), we only have ourselves to blame. If McLeod scored the penalty, I’m not confident we would have won the game, but at least it could have given us that bit of confidence or even momentum. Again, not much to say positively about our performance – other than that of Ricky Holmes, who’s been doing really well of late! It seems that once again, defending is our downfall and something that really needs work on!

League 2 season preview - part four

I thought I’d do something a little different and after completing the Twitter92 a month or so ago, I thought it’d be apt to see what my fellow League 2 supporters thought about their aspirations and expectations for their teams in the coming season. Here is part four (of four):

Port Vale       

Josh Green – Twitter

“I can see another bumpy season ahead at Vale Park! With all the off the pitch aggro we will be lucky to stay in the top half as everyone need to pull together for a promotion push and I can't see that happening any time soon. With attendances dropping (www.starve-em-out.co.uk) and increased pressure on the board all of this will overshadow anything that happens on the pitch!

Look out for John McCombe! Took pretty much every club award last season and I have every faith that he will do it again. With us not having much fire power our defence will have to be on top form once again.

I would say Crawley first game as this should give a glimpse of what we can expect this season not only with new players but with attendances/protests. Other than that Crewe and Shrewsbury are always tasty games as for some reason they seem to hate us.

With Micky back who knows what could happen over the next 46 games but it won’t be short of ups and downs. Enjoy the new season of Emmervale! V2001 OUT”.    
      
Rotherham United     

Gareth Simmons – Twitter – Blog

 “In all honesty, I really don’t know. It’s going to go one of two ways. We’re either going to be really good and be challenging for promotion, or, it’s not going to work and we’ll end up in the bottom third. This is due to the complete overhaul we’ve had this summer both with the backroom staff and playing staff. Also, we’re still two signing away from challenging for promotion.

From the games I’ve seen so far it has to be Lewis Grabban. He’s got a touch of pace, a trick or two and seems to have an eye for goal. He’ll certainly trouble opposition defenders and with the right partner, we could have a good strike force on our hands.

Not really got any games to look forward to, sadly. After Chesterfield went up our closest game is Bradford. Burton away is always a good day out, and obviously, I look forward to the game that will hopefully send us up, if we’re going to be challenging.

If Andy Scott can get two more signings, especially a big target man, then it could end up being a good season. Looking at our squad now, we just seem to lack a physical presence and some height. Another centre back wouldn’t go a miss as well as a left back. Then we could possibly be talking about promotion”.

Shrewsbury Town    

 Steve Bradford – Twitter

“I think this season will produce a similar finishing position to the last (4th), however I feel this will be our year to succeed in the play offs and gain promotion to League 1. The last few years we have suffered some bad lack with the Gillingham play off final winner in 2009 coming from a corner that never was in the 90th minute and last season’s phantom goal by Wycombe which went on to cost us an automatic spot. I feel lady luck may just be on our side this season and all will end on a high.

We have the ever reliable centre backs of Ian Sharps and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, but new signing Reuben Hazel won’t have dropped a league to sit on the bench so competition for places is high. I think this year in midfield Sean McAllister and Lionel Ainsworth will offer us more than they did last season, they both will have had a full pre season behind them and providing they keep fit I feel they will create a lot of chances. These chances will hopefully be converted by new signing Marvin Morgan who in my opinion is an improvement on Matt Harrold who we have sold to Bristol Rovers. James Collins, another new signing Terry Gornell from Accrington and promising youngster Tom Bradshaw will be fighting for a the remaining place alongside Marvin Morgan.

One game I was looking forward to before the fixtures were announced was AFC Wimbledon away as I have great respect for what they have achieved in such a short space of time. Hereford away is always one I look forward to as it’s an easy 3 points for us. Weekenders are possibly Southend in September and Plymouth in March next year. As well as grounds I have not yet visited which I want to knock off this year: Derby County (League Cup), Gillingham, Bristol Rovers, Southend, Crawley Town, Swindon Town and Plymouth.

Southend United    

Tom Ross – Twitter

“Anything less than promotion in my (and the rest of the Southend fans) eyes would be a failure we have a good squad which have jelled well during the last 12 months after everything that happened last season.

Ryan Hall and Jemal Johnson on the wings and Barry Corr and Neil Harris upfront banging in the goals are players to look out for. Alassane N'Diaye looks a beast with no-one getting past him. Kane Ferdinand cousin of Rio came in from the youth teams at the beginning of 2011 and has made the defensive-mid position his. And cannot forget about the defensive tank that is Bilel Mohsni, a bit of a loose cannon but when on form he is unstoppable! And can do a decent job upfront.

Looking forward to all of our games, most notably our local-ish games as once again not playing Colchester: Orient in the cup, Crawley, Wimbledon, Barnet and Gillingham”.

Swindon Town  

James Spencer – Twitter

“A few weeks ago when we hardly had a team I would have said we’d finish mid table at best but now we have signed a few quality players and done well in a few pre-season games I think we will certainly be challenging in the top 3.

I think Matt Richie, Paul Caddis, Jonathan Smith and also Alan Connell will be key for us this season.

It’s been a long while since we played Oxford so that comes about quite soon in late August – definitely one to look forward to; as well as the League cup game against Bristol City, which should be good”.

Torquay United  

Andy Charles – Twitter

“If you had asked a couple of weeks or a month ago I'd have struggled to find much positive to say. The appointment of Martin Ling was met with derision and we lost the heart of our team from last year (Bevan, Branston, Stanley, Zebroski) but pre-season and Ling's signings have changed all of that. Suddenly from being told we were looking a value price to be relegated we have pundits claiming we could repeat last year's play-off run. I'm looking forward to it now but we have a really tough start to the season so that will probably tell us everything we need to know.

Eunan O'Kane, now seemingly established in a central midfield role, has the ability to play much higher than League Two. He's been linked with a few Championship sides already and our worry is that we don't get to see much of him this season. Hopefully long enough to make an impact at least. The rest are all new boys, ones we are looking forward to see build a heart to the team. Keeper Bobby Olejnik is an Austria U21 international, Brian Saah has it to prove in the league all over again and striker Rene Howe can hopefully build a career now he is with a team that actually wants him unlike Peterborough. Most exciting signing is probably Ian Morris - a proper left-winger with a left-foot, something we haven't had in a decade. Look out for youngster Saul Halpin as well - real prospect who went for a trial with Derby last year and scored a hat-trick in his only game for their reserves.

Bristol Rovers home and away will be interesting to say the least after former manager Paul Buckle's questionable departure this summer - fair to say the fans do not like him a lot these days. Crawley because we just don't like them or their managerial staff and Plymouth because of the local factor. Hard to say we are actually rivals because we've played each other so infrequently - I just hope they don't go out of business before then which would be a tragedy for their fans. And personally, Barnet because it's nice and local for me and a lovely club to visit.

I'm just hoping the 'dark siders' we have among our support give Martin Ling and the new players a chance to build into a team. It's tough having so many new faces around at the same time after four seasons of almost complete stability and some of the signings (Chris McPhee, Martin Rice) returning to the club have been met with a mixture of laughter and disgust. And anyone hoping to come to Torquay as an away fan and sit down will be unlucky - our creaking main stand is being demolished and replaced with something bright and shiny - won't be ready until February at the earliest, meaning it's standing room only for visitors”.

And I would like to take this opportunity to thank all 24 fans for their input – it is much appreciated. Hopefully I’ll get to meet a couple of them (as well seeing a few familiar faces again) this season.

Read their blogs, follow them etc.