Southend were currently third from bottom just a point above Norwich and Exeter both of whom had games in hand no one had scored less than us and only Northampton had conceded more. Jimmy Evans had scored 4 penalties while Harry Pidgeon had scored three. it was time for drastic action.
NEW MANAGER
At the last meeting of the board Mr. T. Mather the Secretary Manager offered his resignation. Mr Mather has occupied the position after the resignation of Mr Liddell at the end of the 1919-20 season. The board has accepted the resignation. Mr Mather has done good service. I am now in a position to announce that the board have appointed a manager in succession to Mr. Mather while owing to the increase in clerical work a secretary is also to b appointed. The New manager is Mr. Edward Bernie of Roker, Sunderland a professional player who ten years ago was well known and popular around the metropolis. As a half back Mr. Bernie saw considerable and successful service with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Newcastle.
From the Southend Standard 5th January 1921
So did he jump or was he pushed? Reading the reports of the first half of the season it was clear that the performances on the field were very poor and not up to standard, and the fans were clearly showing their disgust. The brunt of the unrest was aimed at the players rather than the manager, and in fairness to Tom Mather he was an administrator rather than an ex player and he clearly had too much on his plate. He was to go on and manage a number of clubs including Newcastle, Leicester and Kilmarnock, but is best remembered as manger of Stoke City for ten years during which time it was he that discovered and nurtured a young lad named Stanley Matthews.
Ted Bernie meanwhile had a very difficult job on his hands
The Cup Tie against Worksop had caused quite a bit of excitement in the Nottinghamshire town supporters had decided that “they would rather pay increased admission than take the tie out of the town” The Directors obliged, the price of admission was increased from 1s (5p) to 1s 6d (7.5p) while the seats were increased by 50% and in some cases by 100%. The price increase had to be agreed by Southend, but they were advised that despite short time at the collieries, the increase would not affect the size of the gate by one iota. Southend applied for a large number of tickets.
Saturday 7th January 1922
WORKSOP TOWN 1-2 SOUTHEND UNITED
Worksop actually claim to be one of the oldest clubs in existence claiming routes back to the 1860s. and in 1921-22 they won the Midland league, and some clubs such as Lincoln or Doncaster who were in the Midland League applied for and were elected to the Football League.
The ground was said to hold 10,000 and had a stand to seat 1,500 but the area was suffering with large unemployment and in the mining crisis many were on a two day week. The ground was a mini Brammell Lane with one side open as it was also used as a cricket ground. The official attendance was given as 5,560 a record for the home club. However the pitch was narrow which didn’t suite Southend who liked to play a wide game. As often for the First Round of the cup the weather was not good, rain had fallen throughout Friday and continued during Saturday eventually stopping about 1.00 and in the next hour and a half the home fans flooded in to the ground as well as about 300 Southend fans
Admission had been raised to 1s 6d for the game but this didn’t seem to deter many. In the difficult conditions Southend fell behind to Worksop’s first real goal attempt but the Blues battled on after Kettle equalised few could see anything but a Southend win, and this was confirmed when Buddery scored the winning goal and the Blues came out worthy winners, Worksop were a capable side better than several of the Third Division sides.
Team: Capper; Dellow and J. Evans, Reid, Halstead and Martin; Allen, Nuttall, Pidgeon, Buddery and Kettle.
ARRIVAL OF THE SOUTHEND SPECIAL
Punctual to time the special had arrived from Southend but it must have been disappointing to Mr E. Grant to find that so few availed themselves of the facilities which he had provided and which fell so short of his guarantee. Probably the cheerless morning in Southend with snow falling made many change their minds and go back to a warm bed. Ninety seven availed themselves of the special and made a brave show with their favours, bell and other instruments of torture. All agreed they had a fine journey. Home enthusiasts had a dummy black cat tied with blue and white ribbons which they placed in front of the stand. The homesters also had a mascot in the shape of a fat little boy dressed in amber and black jersey and cap with white knickers, the home club colours and he kicked a ball about which was also painted in the same hues.
From the Southend Standard 12 January 1922
Front over of the programme
THE NEWS AT SOUTHEND
The United supporters were kept posted with progress of the game by bulletins placed in the window of the Southend Standard office, special arrangements having been made for telephone messages from the ground. A crowd of about 500 enthusiasts awaited the result with anxiety. There was considerable relief when it was seen that Southend had survived the first half and were on terms. Three quarter time with the scores still even increased confidence in the team’s ability to at least draw and there was speculation as to the replay on the Wednesday. When the final score came through there was scenes of much enthusiasm, a hearty cheer being raised that could be heard from some distance. The game did not conclude till 4.13 and at 4.17 the result was posted upon the Standard office windows.
From the Southend Standard 12th January 1922
PRESENTATION TO MR.MATHER
In order to show their appreciation of his kindness and courtesy to them the players of the United team presented Mr. T Mather with a handsome gold wristlet watch. The presentation was made on their behalf by Jimmy Evans. Mr E Bernie the new manager was present to witness the contest and entered upon new duties on Monday. We shall all wish him the best of luck.
From the Southend Standard 12th January 1922
SECOND ROUND DRAW
When the draw for the second round of the cup we were drawn at home to against either Swansea or West Ham United, and obviously the whole town was excited at the prospect of playing the London team. However the tie went to a third game with eventually Swansea getting the winner in extra time. Disappointed as we undoubtedly were, at least Swansea were mid-table in our own division and success in this game would take through to the last 16 as we had against Tottenham the previous season. The prices were announced which were quite steep really for the visit of another third division team: Ground adults 1s 6d (7.5p) Boys 1s (5p) Pavilion 3s/6d, (17.5p) Wing and West Stands 5s 9d (27p) Centre Stand 7s 6d (37.5p) or the enclosure 2s 6d (12.5p). Tickets could be bought in advance or even by phone if you rang telephone no’ 153, preference would be given to Season Tickets except they didn’t have their names and addresses, but If you let them know when you booked they would give you preference?
We lost to Swansea 1-0