Echo News Blues fans ready to play their part in huge game at Gateshead

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United fans are ready to play their part in Monday’s play-off decider at Gateshead.

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[Evening Echo]

Read more on this story


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[* ORM *]

I’ll see your Garmany and raise you a Hong Kong!

Any of the Aussie or Filipino exiles flying over???

And of course I’ll be back for the play off final should we get there. I might even hang around for first play off game. If we get there!

 

[It'sGrimUpNorth]

It’s probably costing Dave less than what it is us Shrimpers who get constantly bent over and screwed in this bloody country.

 

[Well Fried Shrimp]

I would love to come over from Sydney but need to save it for the Wembley trip!

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Flying in - Southend United supporter Dave Russell (Image: CHRIS PHILLIPS)

By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.

LIFELONG Southend United fan Dave Russell will head to Gateshead from Germany to see if the Shrimpers can make the play-offs.

Kevin Maher's side will make sure of a top seven finish if they avoid defeat at the Gateshead International Stadium on Monday.

And keen Blues supporter Dave will be among those cheering the team on from the stands.

“I fly into Heathrow on Sunday and head back on Tuesday but there’s no way I would’ve missed this game for anything,” said Dave, who is based in Gaertringen.

“I was brought up in Southend before leaving for university and then work I’ve been over here since 1999 but still remain a huge fan and I’ve been to a few games this season already.

“Being honest I’m more nervous than excited about Monday but I don’t get to many away games these days so I’m looking forward to that and it will be nice to be part of the large support which is going to the game.

“Hopefully it won’t be the last one I’m coming over for this season either.

“The play-off final is actually three days before my birthday so that would be a super present!”

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Great support - for Southend United (Image: Lucy Copsey)

By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.

SOUTHEND United fans are ready to play their part in Monday’s play-off decider at Gateshead.

The Shrimpers go into the game needing just a point to secure their place in the top seven.

And Kevin Maher’s side will again be boosted by a huge backing - both at the ground and further afield.

More than 1,500 supporters have already snapped up tickets for the game in the North East while more than 900 have secured a seat to watch the action unfold on a giant screen being installed at Roots Hall.

And Blues boss Maher is incredibly grateful for the support coming his side’s way.

“The fans have been brilliant all season, home and away, and it’s brilliant to hear we’re going to have another big following,” said Maher.

“It’s a long journey to make and I know it can be difficult given it’s on a Bank Holiday Monday as well so we’re massively grateful for the support we receive.

“I know the players feel the same way and we want to make sure we give them something to cheer.”

The Shrimpers sit a point clear of eighth placed Gateshead ahead of Monday’s match - meaning a draw would be good enough for Southend to make the play-offs.

But Maher stressed there was no way Blues would be playing for a point.

“We’ll be going there to try and win the game,” said Maher.

“We’ve done that in every game since I’ve been here and that won’t change.

“It’s a difficult game against a good team also trying to get into the play-offs but we certainly won’t be going there to try and take a point.”

Southend moved into the play-off places for the first time this season after a 3-0 win against Wealdstone on Saturday.

The Shrimpers’ victory was watched by 9, 677 fans, their biggest crowd at Roots Hall since hosting Sunderland in May 2019.

 

[Napster]

Did Lars Unger influence his choice of residence? The timings fit.

 

[LCBB72]

I know that a certain Southend Legend is flying from the USA with three other for the game .

 

[Napster]

I know that a certain Southend Legend is flying from the USA with three other for the game .

Rio Alderton?

 

[Leeboy]

I know that a certain Southend Legend is flying from the USA with three other for the game .

Mike Lapper?

 

[Holy Joe]

Dru?

 

[Richard Hearn]

Helen Mirren?

 

[overseas shrimper]

Terry Alderton?

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Lol. He means a legendary fan from the old North Bank.