Evening Echo
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FOLLOW all the updates from Southend United's pre-match press conference.
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Echo News All the updates from Blues' pre-match press conference
- Thread starter Evening Echo
- Start date
I WILL UPDATE.
5:35pm
There's a bizarre pattern in our results. The midweek results are much better than at 3pm on a Saturday, especially at Roots Hall. Is that something you look at or is it irrelevant?
"I love the night games at Roots Hall.
"The lights and the atmosphere is always really good.
"I honestly don't know a reason for it if I'm honest, I think it's just one of those things.
"You can get the low sun and things like that on a Saturday at Roots Hall which makes it difficult for teams and definitely the fans on the East side too.
"But there's no excuse, just go and win."
5:32pm
I know you don't like to get too up or too down but has much difference has Tuesday's win made?
Maher: "It's important to keep winning and I hate losing as much as anyone.
"It's important to stick to the end goal and we're trying to build a squad here that's going to compete.
"It's the first time we've really got the squad together so hopefully that competition keeps standards high.
"If you get in the team you have to perform."
5:30pm
With Collin injured and Nathan Harness having returned to MK Dons now are you on the look out for another keeper or is Anssi Jaakkola ready if called upon?
Maher: "It's not always easy to get someone one.
"Nick's come in and will hopefully make the shirt his own.
"Being the number one keeper at the minute he's going to play and trying to get someone in of the calibre we want isn't always easy.
"We'll have a look and if we think it's right to bring someone in then we will do."
5:25pm
More from Maher: "You need competition for places and touch wood we can stay relatively injury free.
"It gives us, probably for the first time this season, real competition throughout the squad.
"If we get one of two injuries back we'll be even stronger and it's the first time we're really leaving anyone out the squad.
"It's taken us that time to get there and hopefully we can keep it going.
"There's competition for places and if you play you've got to perform.
"With the amount of games we've got coming up there will be changes in the team.
"The lads who didn't start have to train properly so that when their opportunity comes they will be ready."
5:21pm
How nice to have Jack Bridge back?
Maher: "He'd missed 10 days or so so Maidenhead was too soon for him.
"But the way he trains, he did a bit on Saturday before the game and trained on Monday too so we threw him in really and then see how long he would last.
"He went really well and we're delighted to have him back because he's an important player for us."
5:13pm
Injury wise, how are Adam Crowther and Cav Miley?
Maher: "Cav has been out on the grass with John (Gowens) doing some work.
"He's going back to the specialist today for a check up and to see where he is.
"Hopefully he can push on after that and start to join in with the football side of the training with the team.
"Adam still has a little bit to go.
"He has another scan at the end of the week to see where he is with his one.
"That will tell us how much he can push on."
5:11pm
On facing Rochdale, Maher says: "They have a definitive style of play and they're a really good footballing side.
"We saw that at their place and they control a lot of the games they're in.
"They're tough to score against.
"They're in a good position in the league and it will be even better when they catch up with their games in hand.
"They'll be up in and around it without a shadow of doubt."
5:05pm
On Kendall, Maher adds: "You can see his work-rate and energy. He's had a a few chances and it's nice he's off the mark.
"He's up and running."
5:05pm
Maher: "After the weekend it was nice to get three points. It was maybe a good thing the game came so quickly and it was really good in terms of the result and I thought the performance was pretty good too against a team who are very good away from home.
"It was pleasing to see the forwards scoring and that's an area where there's been a lot of change this season.
"We lost Cards, then Bim came in and scored before going, and when you have that change over it can be difficult to get settled.
"I'm really pleased with Hops who I thought did well and Charley too of course.
"It's pleasing for them to get going."
5:02pm
Up next is Kevin Maher
4:56pm
Has your surname changed, after seeing your shirt at Maidenhead!
Hopper: "It's still the same as far as I'm aware! That's been resolved now thankfully and we're all good from now on.
"I was called Hooper as a kid so I'm not too precious about it."
4:54pm
Hopper on goalscoring: "I want to get back to showing I can do it.
"The last couple of years I've been slow in that respect.
"I want to get back to enjoying my football, which I am doing, and then hopefully goals will follow."
4:53pm
How are finding playing in a front three?
"It's good. There's quality all over the pitch and players who can pick passes and play different ways.
"The front three gives us the fluidity to be able to change if needed.
"It's a good group of players who can adapt to any shape thrown at them.
"I like being the focal point of the front three, especially with the quality around me.
"That makes my job a lot easier but I look forward to any game wherever I'm playing to be honest."
4:42pm
On this weekend, Hopper says: "We're looking forward to Saturday and taking the game to them.
"They'll be a possession based team and they're obviously a good side.
"They have games in hand on most teams but they're still high up in the table.
"We know what to expect and it will be a challenge but we're at home and we're looking forward to it off the back of a good result on Tuesday.
"Confidence is high and we want to showcase what we're about."
4:39pm
Hopper: "I feel like I haven't really shown the best of myself the last couple of years.
"I want to get back to my best and I felt like I played some of my best football when I was here previously.
"If I can replicate that with the goal return and then add the experience I've learnt in terms of my all-round game in the last five years then hopefully it will put me in good stead."
4:36pm
He adds: "As a group of forwards we're all pushing each other and we've got a lot of quality.
"We all want each other to do well and we're really working hard to do as well as we can.
"I'm loving it here and I really enjoy it.
"I love every day in training and every game too.
"It's a great group of lads, there's real ambition and quality too.
"We want to the season strongly and see where that takes us."
4:27pm
Asked about how it felt scoring again, Hopper adds: "It's hard to explain.
"For me on Tuesday it was relief and euphoria.
"It brought back a lot of good memories I already have at this place.
"For me now I want to keep going and make new memories."
4:26pm
Asked again about Halifax, Hopper says: "We were patient.
"It took us 10 to 15 minutes to get into the game and to really get settled.
"We dominated the rest of that first half and created chances.
"Maybe in previous games we let anxiety get the better of us.
"To come out in the second half, score and then get another one really settled us down.
"We showed patience and perseverance to keep on doing the right things."
4:22pm
Hopper adds: "We're at home and we want to keep it going.
"We know what Roots Hall can be like for away teams. We want to give our fans something to cheer about and if we can replicate Tuesday night then it puts us in a really good place."
4:21pm
On this week, Hopper says: "It's basically been play and then just recover to play again but that's great and how we like it.
"We're chomping at the bit to go again on Saturday now and we can't wait for it."
4:13pm
On the win, Hopper adds: "The result was the most important things but if you actually look at the previous two games we did a lot of good things as well.
"We just couldn't put the ball in the net.
"Tuesday night will help build confidence and hopefully confidence can flow through the team and us as forwards as well.
"We'll be looking to keep on pushing each other."
4:12pm
Asked about his goal, Hopper says: "It was a bit of a relief. It was nice but getting the result in the game was the most important thing off the back of the previous two games where we had created chances and not won.
"The performances I thought had been OK but we just hadn't put the ball in the net.
"For us to do that as a team on Tuesday night and to personally get off the mark as well was good.
"Hopefully I can kick on now.
"I'd missed that feeling and I really enjoyed it."
4:09pm
First up is Hopper who scored his first goal since returning to the club in Tuesday's victory.
4:07pm
We will be speaking with Tom Hopper and boss Kevin Maher.
4:06pm
Hello and welcome back to Boots & Laces, again!
The Shrimpers beat Halifax Town 3-1 at Roots Hall on Tuesday night and host Rochdale this weekend.
5:35pm
There's a bizarre pattern in our results. The midweek results are much better than at 3pm on a Saturday, especially at Roots Hall. Is that something you look at or is it irrelevant?
"I love the night games at Roots Hall.
"The lights and the atmosphere is always really good.
"I honestly don't know a reason for it if I'm honest, I think it's just one of those things.
"You can get the low sun and things like that on a Saturday at Roots Hall which makes it difficult for teams and definitely the fans on the East side too.
"But there's no excuse, just go and win."
5:32pm
I know you don't like to get too up or too down but has much difference has Tuesday's win made?
Maher: "It's important to keep winning and I hate losing as much as anyone.
"It's important to stick to the end goal and we're trying to build a squad here that's going to compete.
"It's the first time we've really got the squad together so hopefully that competition keeps standards high.
"If you get in the team you have to perform."
5:30pm
With Collin injured and Nathan Harness having returned to MK Dons now are you on the look out for another keeper or is Anssi Jaakkola ready if called upon?
Maher: "It's not always easy to get someone one.
"Nick's come in and will hopefully make the shirt his own.
"Being the number one keeper at the minute he's going to play and trying to get someone in of the calibre we want isn't always easy.
"We'll have a look and if we think it's right to bring someone in then we will do."
5:25pm
More from Maher: "You need competition for places and touch wood we can stay relatively injury free.
"It gives us, probably for the first time this season, real competition throughout the squad.
"If we get one of two injuries back we'll be even stronger and it's the first time we're really leaving anyone out the squad.
"It's taken us that time to get there and hopefully we can keep it going.
"There's competition for places and if you play you've got to perform.
"With the amount of games we've got coming up there will be changes in the team.
"The lads who didn't start have to train properly so that when their opportunity comes they will be ready."
5:21pm
How nice to have Jack Bridge back?
Maher: "He'd missed 10 days or so so Maidenhead was too soon for him.
"But the way he trains, he did a bit on Saturday before the game and trained on Monday too so we threw him in really and then see how long he would last.
"He went really well and we're delighted to have him back because he's an important player for us."
5:13pm
Injury wise, how are Adam Crowther and Cav Miley?
Maher: "Cav has been out on the grass with John (Gowens) doing some work.
"He's going back to the specialist today for a check up and to see where he is.
"Hopefully he can push on after that and start to join in with the football side of the training with the team.
"Adam still has a little bit to go.
"He has another scan at the end of the week to see where he is with his one.
"That will tell us how much he can push on."
5:11pm
On facing Rochdale, Maher says: "They have a definitive style of play and they're a really good footballing side.
"We saw that at their place and they control a lot of the games they're in.
"They're tough to score against.
"They're in a good position in the league and it will be even better when they catch up with their games in hand.
"They'll be up in and around it without a shadow of doubt."
5:05pm
On Kendall, Maher adds: "You can see his work-rate and energy. He's had a a few chances and it's nice he's off the mark.
"He's up and running."
5:05pm
Maher: "After the weekend it was nice to get three points. It was maybe a good thing the game came so quickly and it was really good in terms of the result and I thought the performance was pretty good too against a team who are very good away from home.
"It was pleasing to see the forwards scoring and that's an area where there's been a lot of change this season.
"We lost Cards, then Bim came in and scored before going, and when you have that change over it can be difficult to get settled.
"I'm really pleased with Hops who I thought did well and Charley too of course.
"It's pleasing for them to get going."
5:02pm
Up next is Kevin Maher
4:56pm
Has your surname changed, after seeing your shirt at Maidenhead!
Hopper: "It's still the same as far as I'm aware! That's been resolved now thankfully and we're all good from now on.
"I was called Hooper as a kid so I'm not too precious about it."
4:54pm
Hopper on goalscoring: "I want to get back to showing I can do it.
"The last couple of years I've been slow in that respect.
"I want to get back to enjoying my football, which I am doing, and then hopefully goals will follow."
4:53pm
How are finding playing in a front three?
"It's good. There's quality all over the pitch and players who can pick passes and play different ways.
"The front three gives us the fluidity to be able to change if needed.
"It's a good group of players who can adapt to any shape thrown at them.
"I like being the focal point of the front three, especially with the quality around me.
"That makes my job a lot easier but I look forward to any game wherever I'm playing to be honest."
4:42pm
On this weekend, Hopper says: "We're looking forward to Saturday and taking the game to them.
"They'll be a possession based team and they're obviously a good side.
"They have games in hand on most teams but they're still high up in the table.
"We know what to expect and it will be a challenge but we're at home and we're looking forward to it off the back of a good result on Tuesday.
"Confidence is high and we want to showcase what we're about."
4:39pm
Hopper: "I feel like I haven't really shown the best of myself the last couple of years.
"I want to get back to my best and I felt like I played some of my best football when I was here previously.
"If I can replicate that with the goal return and then add the experience I've learnt in terms of my all-round game in the last five years then hopefully it will put me in good stead."
4:36pm
He adds: "As a group of forwards we're all pushing each other and we've got a lot of quality.
"We all want each other to do well and we're really working hard to do as well as we can.
"I'm loving it here and I really enjoy it.
"I love every day in training and every game too.
"It's a great group of lads, there's real ambition and quality too.
"We want to the season strongly and see where that takes us."
4:27pm
Asked about how it felt scoring again, Hopper adds: "It's hard to explain.
"For me on Tuesday it was relief and euphoria.
"It brought back a lot of good memories I already have at this place.
"For me now I want to keep going and make new memories."
4:26pm
Asked again about Halifax, Hopper says: "We were patient.
"It took us 10 to 15 minutes to get into the game and to really get settled.
"We dominated the rest of that first half and created chances.
"Maybe in previous games we let anxiety get the better of us.
"To come out in the second half, score and then get another one really settled us down.
"We showed patience and perseverance to keep on doing the right things."
4:22pm
Hopper adds: "We're at home and we want to keep it going.
"We know what Roots Hall can be like for away teams. We want to give our fans something to cheer about and if we can replicate Tuesday night then it puts us in a really good place."
4:21pm
On this week, Hopper says: "It's basically been play and then just recover to play again but that's great and how we like it.
"We're chomping at the bit to go again on Saturday now and we can't wait for it."
4:13pm
On the win, Hopper adds: "The result was the most important things but if you actually look at the previous two games we did a lot of good things as well.
"We just couldn't put the ball in the net.
"Tuesday night will help build confidence and hopefully confidence can flow through the team and us as forwards as well.
"We'll be looking to keep on pushing each other."
4:12pm
Asked about his goal, Hopper says: "It was a bit of a relief. It was nice but getting the result in the game was the most important thing off the back of the previous two games where we had created chances and not won.
"The performances I thought had been OK but we just hadn't put the ball in the net.
"For us to do that as a team on Tuesday night and to personally get off the mark as well was good.
"Hopefully I can kick on now.
"I'd missed that feeling and I really enjoyed it."
4:09pm
First up is Hopper who scored his first goal since returning to the club in Tuesday's victory.
4:07pm
We will be speaking with Tom Hopper and boss Kevin Maher.
4:06pm
Hello and welcome back to Boots & Laces, again!
The Shrimpers beat Halifax Town 3-1 at Roots Hall on Tuesday night and host Rochdale this weekend.
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