American tourist Evan becomes accidental Southend United fan.

[annie1954]

I know some people find it frustrating that our situation with Ron didn’t get this sort of attention, but honestly I think it’s great. It’s just a feel good story, shows the fans in such a great light and it’s great to see such a positive story make the news concerning the club for once! Huge well done to all involved.

yes it`s given all shrimpers a good lift this week and put smiles back on our faces plus the midweek results have gone in our favour . the only blues headline these last few years have been about Ron and his monthly visits to the high court COYB

 

[londonblue]

The River Lea

No it's not, it's The Fleet.

 

[lreed567]

I'd imagine there will probably now be a lot of press coverage on Saturday

 

[Richard Hearn]

No it's not, it's The Fleet.

I'll see your "Fleet" and raise you a Walbrook.

 

[Dave Smiths Love Child]

I'll see your "Fleet" and raise you a Walbrook.

Our USA newbie will say Mississippi and top trump you all

 

[Crowstone Crevette]

Our USA newbie will say Mississippi and top trump you all

@Dave Smiths Love Child

I think you mean y'all ?

 

[RHB]

Our USA newbie will say Mississippi and top trump you all

More likely top trump you 10%.

 

[Cockle43]

I know some people find it frustrating that our situation with Ron didn’t get this sort of attention, but honestly I think it’s great. It’s just a feel good story, shows the fans in such a great light and it’s great to see such a positive story make the news concerning the club for once! Huge well done to all involved.

I think it can only be good and positive to be known for this rather than being continually associated with the death of a fan of another club in the media's eyes.
We all know that that was a miniscule minority of fans but a lot out there don't and anything to show that, on the whole, we really are a decent bunch of people has to be seen as a positive thing.

 

[londonblue]

I'll see your "Fleet" and raise you a Walbrook.

Too rich for me.

 

[Dave Smiths Love Child]

I think it can only be good and positive to be known for this rather than being continually associated with the death of a fan of another club in the media's eyes.
We all know that that was a miniscule minority of fans but a lot out there don't and anything to show that, on the whole, we really are a decent bunch of people has to be seen as a positive thing.

Sad to say but it shouldn’t be forgotten, and I’m dreading if/ when we play Cambridge next

 

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is looking forward to welcoming the club's newest and arguably most famous fan to Roots Hall this weekend.

Read more on this story


Help with Echo links

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Warm welcome - from Southend United boss Kevin Maher (Image: FOCUS IMAGES)


By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is looking forward to welcoming the club's newest and arguably most famous fan to Roots Hall this weekend.

Evan Johnston has hit headlines all across the world since accidentally becoming a Shrimpers supporter when boarding the wrong boat in London on Saturday.

And Maher is certain the American tourist cannot believe what has happened.

"When you read about it all it's a brilliant story," smiled Maher.

"It's been incredible and that's the power of social media to a certain extent.
"If you told him what was going to end up happening when he stepped on that boat he wouldn't have believed that it was going to change his world a little bit.

"These stories pop up every now and then and I bet he can't believe it.

"It will be good to meet him though and I hope he enjoys coming to Roots Hall."

Evan is expected to watch the game as part of another bumper Blues crowd.

But Maher has not been surprised the 21-year-old was immediately made to feel so welcome.

"I can't say I'm surprised our fans took him under their wing like that but you look at the numbers we take away and its incredible," said Maher.

"It shows what we can do when we bring success to the football club.

"I'm sure we'll drag one or two more people from around the world with us too."

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

I'm surprised at the meeting of the management team and players. I bet he wishes he wasn't up for that. He has no affiliation with any of them. He doesn't know who they are, what position they play, or what their football journey is. I bet all he really wants to do is be amongst the lads in the North Bank, and cheer on the team, sing some of his newly learnt songs, and being made to feel special again.

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

I'm surprised at the meeting of the management team and players. I bet he wishes he wasn't up for that. He has no affiliation with any of them. He doesn't know who they are, what position they play, or what their football journey is.

True enough. I feel that our club let the social media around Evan unfold and watch the reaction, not wishing to report the scenario on their own socials, knowing if it all went well and positive, they'd be able to report on meeting Evan this weekend, with probably a shared exclusive with Chris Phillips. I guess because of a hesitant wait, we didnt hear from Justin firstly and now Kev, until some days after the event. Sensible. Now it's the club's turn to run with this positivity.

The last 5 or so years have been in many ways utterly depressing for every Southend fan, forced to endure the decapitation of their club. Quite fitting that it is our fans that have have propelled a great story.
They could have just ignored Evan and let him get on with his day and they theirs, on the boat.

My boy was in the picture, i asked him if he knew many of the guys to talk to on the boat, he said yeah, loads, only from meeting them around the away grounds this season. Says it all really, great people and great fans.

 

[OldBlueLady]

FYI, Rylee has been on to this story from the start and trying to sort out getting Evan involved this weekend.

Interesting that even Chris is staying this story has been an even bigger social media hit than the Justin Bieber is a Shrimper story from a few years back!

 

[CaptainSmudger]

‘Evan is a Shrimper’, let’s all give him a great day on Saturday, get him in The Blue Boar then Far Post Bar before the game, I for one want to meet him. COYB,UTB 🛩

 

[mattytheshrimper]

FYI, Rylee has been on to this story from the start and trying to sort out getting Evan involved this weekend.

Interesting that even Chris is staying this story has been an even bigger social media hit than the Justin Bieber is a Shrimper story from a few years back!

I think we need to be careful not to over do it. Let the lad enjoy his day presumably in the north. Lets not bog him down with meet and greets, get him in the local pubs before the game and give him a proper experience.

Maybe I'll sound like a grinch but getting him on the pitch etc I think would be really cringey.

 

[* ORM *]

I'll see your "Fleet" and raise you a Walbrook.

You cannot see Fleet!

 

[Richard Hearn]

You cannot see Fleet!

You can where it exits into the Thames. But I get the joke.

 

[in the know]

I think it's only fair he returns the goodwill gesture of the 150 fans on the boat and invites them all to stay with him in USA for a holiday .