Message to COSU

[kentblues]

Personally I think COSU have found themselves at a bit of a crossroads far earlier in their tenure than they had hoped. Once the club was purchased I am sure they thought stage one was to clear debt and start to sort out the stadium with a small but manageable amount of budget for the squad. Sensible approach but the issue is that the squad has suffered from chronic underfunding and embargo’s for years meaning that although those who performed admirably last season they are now finding it difficult to dig deep and perform the same miracles hence seeing some of our top performers drop a level such as Miley and Husin.

So what do they do now? The options are few but what is clear is that the crowd are now turning and they need to do something quickly to prevent the place becoming toxic. So stick or twist? If they stick (and I hope they do) then money needs to be found to properly back Kev and give him a fighting chance. Not necessarily to make the play offs but to show what we can do for the remainder of the season. If they twist, well then that budget will no doubt have to be used for paying off of managers and finding a new one.

Difficult times and I am very glad it isn’t my call.

This is it. Bring in at least a couple of prime targets who show intent and improve things on the pitch. A couple a good signings can be a big lift all round.

We need to know we are committed to taking the playing side forward. At the moment it feels like investment in the team is at the very bottom of the list and an inconvenience.

And the communication/PR is non-existent regarding that investment…

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

Guy next to me said similar, 'it's like Maher has lost the dressing room'. IF he has, it's surely just a matter of time. What concerned me most was our reaction to going 1-0 down. We looked beaten, there seemed no appetite to roll our sleeves up and fight back. Total opposite to last season.

Our reaction was bad indeed going a goal down, i'd say because the boys had worked so damn hard to keep Barnet at bay, in fact both teams were going at each other furiously, it was a mad spell. To go a goal down with an effort that looked so easy to score, that was dejecting. The whole ground felt it, Shrimpers looked stunned in the stands.

 

[Benfleet Blue]

I dont think that anyone has gone soft or is accepting poor performances as being ok - it isnt.

But, there are a lot of people who understand that there are a lot of cogs turning to make a transfer happen, and it isnt always as easy as we would like. The key thing is, I am still hearing that transfers have been agreed in principle, and for whatever reason they havent made it over the line. Doesnt mean the work isnt going on behind the scenes to fix the million and one problems the club faces. I am still in the camp of just being glad we still have a club, so if it means a couple more years of mediocre at best while things get sorted out longer term then it is a price worth paying.

But then, while other people have seen the takeover and want to see instant Wrexham style success, I know we cant do that, and I am not impatient!

I don't think anyone expects us to be another Wrexham. We must have become one of the most dour, boring teams in the league. Most of this evolves around a management team that is very bereft in making change. KM Will stick with his 532 formation for as long as it necessary and quite truthfully it didn't work last year, the players saved him, and it certainly isn't working this year. Football is an entertainment game and I'm sorry, if things don't change, then we will see the crowds dwindle. The big problem is that. KM is so stubborn that he has no intention to change and our football is now far from entertaining.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Our reaction was bad indeed going a goal down, i'd say because the boys had worked so damn hard to keep Barnet at bay, in fact both teams were going at each other furiously, it was a mad spell. To go a goal down with an effort that looked so easy to score, that was dejecting. The whole ground felt it, Shrimpers looked stunned in the stands.

That was my interpretation too. At the time, I actually thought our game plan was working. Most fans called for Ralph at LWB, Gubbins LCB and for Bridge to be dropped. To be fair, Kanu didn't get a sniff down that side and we nullified them well. Ndlovu was feeding off scraps and was getting no joy. We more than matched them for intensity for 20 mins. We also had the first real opportunity through Ralph. However, like a lot of games, they did very little to be 1 goal up. It was more the reaction after that. As you say, the whole place became somber and depleted. It was like no one truly believed we could turn it around. That's the biggest and hardest thing for Maher to try and solve, the mentality.

 

[amsemp]

It’s worrying how many people are so okay with mediocrity or even worse. Happy to wait until summer for any actual change when we’ve made little to no moves in January like we were told was going to happen.

The RM reign has caused softness and acceptance of poor performance and running of a club/transfers.

I don’t think it’s necessarily about being okay with mediocrity. I think many, myself included, are content to pretty much write this season off results wise, get the club in a healthy position off the field, and then recruit strongly in the summer and give it a real good go next season.

If that’s the position COSU are taking then I’m all for it, as I’d rather we didn’t go and blow a load of money in January bringing in players who wouldn’t necessarily be first or second choice just because we need bodies. Handing over 2 year old deals, agents fees and signing on fees to those sorts of players just takes money out the budget and makes it less likely for us to get it right next season, and it feels absolutely pointless when realistically we aren’t remotely close to going up this season.

 

[ms brush]

I don't think anyone expects us to be another Wrexham. We must have become one of the most dour, boring teams in the league. Most of this evolves around a management team that is very bereft in making change. KM Will stick with his 532 formation for as long as it necessary and quite truthfully it didn't work last year, the players saved him, and it certainly isn't working this year. Football is an entertainment game and I'm sorry, if things don't change, then we will see the crowds dwindle. The big problem is that. KM is so stubborn that he has no intention to change and our football is now far from entertaining.

I agree, the football is worse than I have seen in a long time, and as someone else pointed out, we have been poor(ish) for at least a couple of seasons. The rot is showing now, where it wasnt before as we overachieved through trench mentality. I agree that crowds will drop, I certainly wont be sorry to miss the couple of games where I will be away sorting out family stuff.

It will get sorted. The question is when it becomes urgent enough to fix it, and I would hazard a guess that it will not be until the summer.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Our reaction was bad indeed going a goal down, i'd say because the boys had worked so damn hard to keep Barnet at bay, in fact both teams were going at each other furiously, it was a mad spell. To go a goal down with an effort that looked so easy to score, that was dejecting. The whole ground felt it, Shrimpers looked stunned in the stands.

It was SO easy. Too easy. I think everyone felt, that's it here we go again. It's been like that at the Hall all season, maybe except for Charlton and FGR. There was none of the 'backs against the wall' fighting spirit we got used to last season. That for me is the most worrying thing. It's a mentality thing rather than quality of players.

 

[WestyReturns]

It’s worrying how many people are so okay with mediocrity or even worse. Happy to wait until summer for any actual change when we’ve made little to no moves in January like we were told was going to happen.

The RM reign has caused softness and acceptance of poor performance and running of a club/transfers.

I've said previously there is a niche failure acceptance crew formed within our fanbase. How anyone can be ok with losing 0-3 at home to Barnet is beyond belief for me. Just like winning breeds confidence and more wins. Accepting failure works the opposite way. Change is needed. There's still time to rescue this season and plan for the next!

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

That was my interpretation too. At the time, I actually thought our game plan was working. Most fans called for Ralph at LWB, Gubbins LCB and for Bridge to be dropped. To be fair, Kanu didn't get a sniff down that side and we nullified them well. Ndlovu was feeding off scraps and was getting no joy. We more than matched them for intensity for 20 mins. We also had the first real opportunity through Ralph. However, like a lot of games, they did very little to be 1 goal up. It was more the reaction after that. As you say, the whole place became somber and depleted. It was like no one truly believed we could turn it around. That's the biggest and hardest thing for Maher to try and solve, the mentality.

Absolutely and Kevin touched on the subject in recent weeks, saying about the winning mentality by putting a run of wins together. Like i said in my post match post, can Kev get decent results in the next three games is the acid test, for me at least. I think he will, not for the first time Kev's back has been firmly up against the East stand wall (see what i did there, for those who remembered the stick he took playing in L2 !)

 

[RHB]

I've said previously there is a niche failure acceptance crew formed within our fanbase. How anyone can be ok with losing 0-3 at home to Barnet is beyond belief for me. Just like winning breeds confidence and more wins. Accepting failure works the opposite way. Change is needed. There's still time to rescue this season and plan for the next!

To be fair, @WestyReturns, I've yet to see any poster on here who was ok with Saturday's result, how could we be, it was atrocious. The discussion revolves around whether Kevin Maher should fall on his sword now and walk, or whether COSU should bin him, or whether we see it out to the end of the season, and see what next season brings. Further results between now, and say, the end of February may make it clearer what the majority of fans want.

 

[GBJ]

I still maintain that this seasons squad is being very poorly managed and the players are better than what is being shown, despite being depleted.

A few people have said this, but I’d like to know who you think could/should be playing better than they currently are?

There's still time to rescue this season and plan for the next!

So, spend our way out of trouble?

The discussion revolves around whether Kevin Maher should fall on his sword now and walk

I’ve seen this mentioned a few times too. Who among us would “fall on their sword” when they’ve got a protected contract for the next 2 and a half years along with a young family to provide for, mortgage, bills etc…

 

[RHB]

A few people have said this, but I’d like to know who you think could/should be playing better than they currently are?



So, spend our way out of trouble?



I’ve seen this mentioned a few times too. Who among us would “fall on their sword” when they’ve got a protected contract for the next 2 and a half years along with a young family to provide for, mortgage, bills etc…

Totally agree @GBJ, but, as you say, it's been mentioned on this thread more than once.

 

[KiwiRob]

This is it. Bring in at least a couple of prime targets who show intent and improve things on the pitch. A couple a good signings can be a big lift all round.

We need to know we are committed to taking the playing side forward. At the moment it feels like investment in the team is at the very bottom of the list and an inconvenience.

And the communication/PR is non-existent regarding that investment…

I am not sure Justin Rees and COSU are going to buy the argument that a couple more signings are going to fix Southend's problems on the playing field. I could be completely wrong, but I do not think Justin and the other COSU members got to where they are in life by ignoring the results of the investment they have already provided for the team.

When the embargo was lifted last season, COSU gave the green light to the signings of Crowther, Waldron and Morton. To date, Crowther has blown hot and cold in the first team; Morton has probably been the club's best midfielder this season but strangely and almost immediately lost his place in the first team to a fit-again Miley; and Waldron, despite showing some promise, has not been given a fair crack of the whip since recovering from injury when Boone, Kendall and Walker have all struggled to score goals regularly.

If we add to the mix COSU backed Maher in signing KAF, Boone and Walker - KAF has impressed but cannot secure a consistent run in the first team, Boone has yet to score a goal , and Walker has shown flashes of form but has not yet lived up to expectations - it is not difficult to see why Rees and COSU may be questioning the results of how the management team have used the investment that has been made in the team.

Of the six signings cited here, two (Morton and KAF) have impressed many supporters but cannot get a consistent run in the first team, two other signings (Crowther and Boone) have been fairly average in terms of performances, and the remaining two (Waldron and Walker) have showed some promise but have been constrained in terms of impact by injuries and limited opportunities.

Put simply, Rees and COSU probably expected these 6 signings would have delivered more for the team than they currently have. At the same time, COSU will also be aware that teams like Altrincham and Gateshead are performing better than Southend despite more limited resources at their disposal.

 

[Barry.C]

We may have had a few with the buzz of maybe a Wrexham, event but none I think when we got to see the situation unfolding
However I think we were given some expectations of the squad being strengthened or even the lot we have performing better . I also doubt that we have the poorest budget in the league

Maybe an even clearer message was necessary about what the prospects for expanding and improving the squad might have been necessary to help temper expectations m but even then the current entertainment is rare. exemplified by an atrocious Home record. Some might even feel cheated on the season ticket front

Firstly What is less acceptable is what seems like no sweat or fight from the shirt .
Secondly how come for months Kev has been calling for help plus the constant messaging of we are active and apparently talking to players and yet nothing ever gets done much despite having a threadbare squad.

How come teams with potentially a lower budget and presumably similar recruitment processes to us are snapping up players left right and centre , 34 in January alone so far and thats exclusive of Loan extensions, and around 110 signings over the past 4 months
it seems We are staggeringly slow and unambitious like our football served up on the plate that would send the elderly to sleep in a care home

 

[WestyReturns]

I am not sure Justin Rees and COSU are going to buy the argument that a couple more signings are going to fix Southend's problems on the playing field. I could be completely wrong, but I do not think Justin and the other COSU members got to where they are in life by ignoring the results of the investment they have already provided for the team.

When the embargo was lifted last season, COSU gave the green light to the signings of Crowther, Waldron and Morton. To date, Crowther has blown hot and cold in the first team; Morton has probably been the club's best midfielder this season but strangely and almost immediately lost his place in the first team to a fit-again Miley; and Waldron, despite showing some promise, has not been given a fair crack of the whip since recovering from injury when Boone, Kendall and Walker have all struggled to score goals regularly.

If we add to the mix COSU backed Maher in signing KAF, Boone and Walker - KAF has impressed but cannot secure a consistent run in the first team, Boone has yet to score a goal , and Walker has shown flashes of form but has not yet lived up to expectations - it is not difficult to see why Rees and COSU may be questioning the results of how the management team have used the investment that has been made in the team.

Of the six signings cited here, two (Morton and KAF) have impressed many supporters but cannot get a consistent run in the first team, two other signings (Crowther and Boone) have been fairly average in terms of performances, and the remaining two (Waldron and Walker) have showed some promise but have been constrained in terms of impact by injuries and limited opportunities.

Put simply, Rees and COSU probably expected these 6 signings would have delivered more for the team than they currently have. At the same time, COSU will also be aware that teams like Altrincham and Gateshead are performing better than Southend despite more limited resources at their disposal.

Brilliant points. There's always going to be some signings which don't work but the output from the last 12 months of signings collectively has to be classed as spectacular failure.

 

[pottster]

I am not sure Justin Rees and COSU are going to buy the argument that a couple more signings are going to fix Southend's problems on the playing field. I could be completely wrong, but I do not think Justin and the other COSU members got to where they are in life by ignoring the results of the investment they have already provided for the team.

When the embargo was lifted last season, COSU gave the green light to the signings of Crowther, Waldron and Morton. To date, Crowther has blown hot and cold in the first team; Morton has probably been the club's best midfielder this season but strangely and almost immediately lost his place in the first team to a fit-again Miley; and Waldron, despite showing some promise, has not been given a fair crack of the whip since recovering from injury when Boone, Kendall and Walker have all struggled to score goals regularly.

If we add to the mix COSU backed Maher in signing KAF, Boone and Walker - KAF has impressed but cannot secure a consistent run in the first team, Boone has yet to score a goal , and Walker has shown flashes of form but has not yet lived up to expectations - it is not difficult to see why Rees and COSU may be questioning the results of how the management team have used the investment that has been made in the team.

Of the six signings cited here, two (Morton and KAF) have impressed many supporters but cannot get a consistent run in the first team, two other signings (Crowther and Boone) have been fairly average in terms of performances, and the remaining two (Waldron and Walker) have showed some promise but have been constrained in terms of impact by injuries and limited opportunities.

Put simply, Rees and COSU probably expected these 6 signings would have delivered more for the team than they currently have. At the same time, COSU will also be aware that teams like Altrincham and Gateshead are performing better than Southend despite more limited resources at their disposal.

All I can say to COSU is welcome to the crazy and mad world of owning a football club! I would imagine it's nothing like any business they've ever run!

 

[JAL]

My posts have never had any relation to Wrexham at all, they have their own model, and we have ours, just ours doesn't work.

You can still have a good model of business and transfers without spending money, we just haven't found it and the current running of the football side of the club is extremely poor.