TOP ANALYSTS VIEW - WE ARE TOO SHORT OF NUMBERS TO GAIN PROMOTION AT THE MOMENT
NATIONAL
League expert Adam Virgo says
Southend United have a solid chance of winning promotion this season.
The Shrimpers kick off their campaign against York City at Roots Hall this weekend.
And Virgo, who has covered the league for TNT Sports and the Non League paper, believes Blues are well placed to be up towards the top of the table.
“There’s been a lot going on off the field at Southend in the last few years but there has been stability on it which I think will stand them in good stead,” said Virgo
“With the takeover having been completed and with the job Kevin Maher has done there I think there’s every chance of it being an exciting season.
“It’s a big club and there will be more expectation on them now but I do think they have a solid chance of getting promotion this season.”
However, as things stand, Virgo admits promotion seems more likely via the play-offs for the Shrimpers.
“If I’m being completely honest about it I think Southend will need a bigger squad if they’re going to win the league,” said Virgo.
“I’m sure they’re looking to strengthen but they’re a bit short in a couple of areas compared to other teams.
“But there’s the nucleus of a really good side there.
“They’ve got some really good players and the support they get is brilliant too.”
Blues are fourth favourites with the bookmakers to win the title this season.
Barnet, Oldham Athletic and Forest Green Rovers are all being tipped to finish above the Shrimpers.
But Virgo feels there is no clear favourite this time around.
“This is the most open the league has been for as long as I can remember,” said Virgo.
“Last season I thought if you finished above Chesterfield you’d win the league and the year before that it was Wrexham and Notts County but I don’t see a team you can say that about this season.”
However, when pushed for his league favourites, Virgo backed Barnet to impress.
“Barnet will be strong this season,” said Virgo.
“I think last season their performance against Solihull Moors in the play-off was probably their worst of the season.
“But there was a line in Dean (Brennan’s) interview straight after the game when he said he knew what he needed to do now.
“He certainly didn’t waste any time where that was concerned and they’ve signed a lot of players.
“Dean gets Nicke Kabamba scoring goals for them, I like Idris Kanu and Anthony Hartigan too.
“I think they’ll be up there but Southend certainly can be as well.”
But Barnet wont do well as they have a very large squad?