Echo News Shrimpers defender Gubbins looks to make up for lost time

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United defender Joe Gubbins is eager to make up for lost time.

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[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Back in action - Southend United defender Joe Gubbins (Image: Lucy Copsey)


By Chris Phillips@cjphillips1982Chief sports reporter.

SOUTHEND United defender Joe Gubbins is eager to make up for lost time.

The centre-back returned to the Shrimpers starting line-up for Saturday’s clash with Southport for the first time since injuring his Achilles in October.

And the 23-year-old is delighted to be back in action.


“It was really good to be back,” said Gubbins.

“It felt like I was out for a long while even though it wasn't too long in the end.

“When you're injured everything seems to take a lot longer so it was good to be back helping the boys on the pitch.

“I'd been in the squad the last few weeks which is progression but to get 90 minutes under my belt was a great feeling and so was winning the game.”

The Shrimpers triumphed 1-0, thanks to a second half header from Keenan Appiah-Forson.

And Gubbins was pleased to help secure another clean sheet playing in a more central role at the back.

“Firstly the clean sheet was the most important thing,” said the defender.

“I'm not sure what the numbers are but we've picked up a few recently whoever has been playing which is pleasing.

“Playing in the middle is something I really enjoy and I sometimes feel I can show the best of my ability there with my passing.

“It depends on the opposition of course but on Saturday I felt like I had a lot of the ball and tried to show what I can do.”

“I do like it in the middle but I'm not fussed where I play.

“Wherever the gaffer needs me I'll play.”

Gubbins had made three appearances off the bench before starting on Saturday.

And he is pleased to have recovered from the injury he suffered in unusual circumstances.

“It was after the Tamworth game, I went out to do my running and just felt something down the back of my Achilles,” said Gubbins.

“Thankfully it wasn't as bad as I thought to start with.

“I feared the worst to begin with but it didn't turn out too bad.

“It was a weird one though.

“It was one of the tendons down the back of my leg and it just took a while to heal.

“But now I’m back I feel really good and really fit.

“I'm ready to go whenever the gaffer needs me.”

Gubbins will now be hoping to feature when Blues host Halifax Town at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And the defender is determined to help the Shrimpers make it four wins in succession.

“I feel like we're in a really good place at the moment,” said Gubbins.

“The vibes are good at the training ground and we've picked up a few good results.

“Hopefully we can take that into the rest of the season now.”

And Gubbins is also enjoying lining up in the same side as Charley Kendall who signed for the Shrimpers just before Christmas.

“He's one of my best mates, not just in football but outside it as well,” said the defender.

“We used to room together in digs for years at QPR so we know each other really well and it's really good to see him come in.”