Make no mistake, today's win was a fantastic result.
If anyone thought it was going to be an easy win, they would have been wrong.
Dover, who were docked many points, are playing for pride, and at home, will fight and dig their heels in to avoid a defeat. Despite the impossible position they are in, they have heart, and credit to them. Teams like this make it hard to break down, and I am sure such was the case today.
Southend, by contrast, are a side still adapting to a new coaching team, training methods and playing style, mixed with a lot of personnel changes in the squad, which takes time to gel. Taking all this into account, picking up wins like this is nothing but valuable and hard fought for.
For the run we are on, the direction we are going, there has to be massive credit to Kev, Currie and Benno.
They have very quickly turned around a very poor side and turned them into a decent team. They have instilled a never say die attitude, and a winning mentality, into a developing squad so quickly.
The so called old guard have all stepped up. Kev and co are getting the best out of the young players too, including loan player Dennis who was a lost young footballer when they came in. The squad they inherited have been made organised, motivated and the shackles have been taken off, now playing with confidence, belief, for the shirt and for each other.
Kev, Benno, Currie.... we salute you!!
The scouting team too are doing an amazing job. They are bringing in hungry players to compete for 16 positions (yes, it's about fighting to get on the bench now also) and those players are all contributing to this developing team and squad. Credit for the decision to bring in John Still .... what a positive move already that has been where lower league talent has already enhanced us, and will keep improving.
However, it's not just on the pitch and training ground where there has been a turnaround.
It's evident that behind the scenes there have been improvements also.
We were all very unhappy with the ticket office situation, and that appears to have changed. Certainly for those purchasing tickets, the print at home scheme has been hugely succesful, both in saving the club money, the supporters time, and in effect taking pressure off the ticket office, where I now acknowledge, were extremely under staffed and overwhelmed. Huge credit goes to Tom Lawrence for this.
I know Tom has played a huge part in many others areas and for this we can only be thankful that at last the club has responsible, competent, honest, accountable and progressive leadership.
Lastly Stan ..... what to say???
It goes without saying that what Stan has brought to this club, you just cannot measure. The changes to date would not have occurred in my opinion, without his influence.
Initially without being employed by the club, Stan has built huge bridges with the fan base. Some knocked him, for which I have never understood, but let's get one thing straight. Stan never came here for money. With his contacts and know how, if it was about money, he could easily find more profitable and easier work elsewhere in the game.
Being a former player, and a very good one, did he come just to take credit? Absolutely not .... my observations of Stan, is that he isn't one with an interest in praise. This is not what he is driven by.
So what is he here for and what has he done??
I believe Stan is driven by success, AND heart, for which he has a huge one for SUFC. For that we are extremely fortunate.
I, for one, have nothing but admiration and great respect for this great man and for what he has done and continues to do.
Even when questioned by his claims, he has worked tirelessly with passion and desire to get this club back to where it should be. All because of the drive and qualities he has, and of those around him, we have started a journey where good times will be coming back. Of course there will be some difficult periods ahead, as there always is with every club, and the doubters will be ready to attack again, but with Stan's influence, we have a good solid platform to work on.
Aside building relationships and setting up a network of links with other clubs, it is clear to see Stan's influence with our media approach, which has really stepped up a number of levels. For example, the clubs Twitter feed, has a real vibrant and professional look about it now, and we are well informed. Amazing work!!!
So from the players, to Kev, Currie and Benno, to Stilly, Stan and Tom, you have our support for this long exciting journey ahead.
Come on you Shrimpers!!
