Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 1-0 Southport

[Rattus Norvegicus]

Not much in the rag this morning ....

 

[Wickford Blue]

I think it's been fairly frequently stated that there is a funding gap of about £1m by being in this league. That makes long term sustainability as a NL club with our current set up and stadium costs nigh on impossible I would have thought; we don't need regular updates to take that on board.

Patience here means seasons, not months. It's all too easy to forget that the stadium had years of under and then non investment because RM thought we would be moving to FF. COSU's plans to hit the ground running were completely destroyed by the delayed takeover which meant that all their initial ideas (which I believe included a fan zone) were shelved and the monies set aside for that had to be used to pay wages and other essential expenses necessary to keep the club alive until the takeover went through. It was touch and go for months as to whether we would even survive and I'm told that it was far from a given that all members of COSU were on the same page regarding the additional funds needed to even get the deal over the line.

And then it happened but by then, we were 3 weeks behind everyone and the emphasis had to be on the playing squad.

Even now, they have only been in charge for 5 months.

So, with respect, suggesting that patience and mid-table status is only acceptable as long as you get some financial details about the long term sustainability to satisfy you and enable you to post the odd smiley face icon is not only unreasonable, it is unbelievably egocentric.

Saving the club was nothing to do with you, me or any of the fans save the ones who make up COSU. Similarly, funding the club is also nothing to do with us. How they direct and spend the money is nothing to do with us. How they manage the funding differential and reduce the deficits, making it more sustainable is nothing to do with us. For all we know, they may be taking the view that for the next 2-3 seasons they will NOT be able to close the gap and may have to incur losses in order to be where they need to be long term, the EFL. I don't know and I don't care really because it's nothing to do with us.

These guys have put their hands in their own pockets to ensure that fans have a club to support, so I absolutely trust them to now not do anything to kill it. We are not at the mercy of one owner, there is a consortium made up of predominantly people like you and me who probably only differ because they have enough money to be able to afford to lose some of it. And they have done this for all of our benefit. They are the ones entitled to ask the financial questions (and I'm certain that they do).

I don't claim to speak for anyone other than me, but I'll wager that if, back in mid July, you asked every single fan to select the most preferable option between a) Going out of existence or b) Accepting mid table status for a few seasons whilst re-building took place, the answer would be almost 100% b) (with the differential being the one who put "Bart". There's always one.)

So, whilst I am absolutely sure that you, like me, are 100% grateful for what COSU have done, can I suggest that the next time you attend the Hall or watch the team on DAZN you inwardly smile and take a ton of comfort from the fact that these guys have made that simple act possible.

Then sit back, enjoy the game and stop personally worrying about the money side of things. It's nothing to do with us. They've got this.

Brilliant Post!
I find it bizarre that there are a lot of people who just don't get this.
Ron ran this club into the ground over a period of 5 years and yet people are expecting us to be winning the league, have the best pitch and facilities and signing top better players after 5 months!!

This season is about setting the foundations in place to push on - be patient people!

 

[WestyReturns]

How much was hospitality for this game? Tempted to do it if at home next round as I think it was cheaper?

£240 a box. Enjoyed it!

 

[WestyReturns]

Good result again, sure. But the performances over the last three games, especially the latter two, have been pretty abject. We play anything like this against a proper side and it won’t be a pretty result

Totally agree. Kev doesn't know how to get the best out of what he has available.

 

[Swiss Tony]

Brilliant Post!
I find it bizarre that there are a lot of people who just don't get this.
Ron ran this club into the ground over a period of 5 years and yet people are expecting us to be winning the league, have the best pitch and facilities and signing top better players after 5 months!!

This season is about setting the foundations in place to push on - be patient people!

Agreed WB but I just hope all our fans hang around long enough, a fall in attendance’s would hurt the cause considerably, not everyone has patience.

 

[Linda Loan Shark]

Its a bit of a catch 22 there. Some fans want instant results, big signings and promotion this season whilst COSU are trying to pay of historic debts and fixing stadium issues. On top of starting the season with an embargo. So money is needed from the attendance.

Impatient fans are not happy attendances go down so our transfer budget goes down but the expectation will still be there

 

[Tommy2holes]

I think it's been fairly frequently stated that there is a funding gap of about £1m by being in this league. That makes long term sustainability as a NL club with our current set up and stadium costs nigh on impossible I would have thought; we don't need regular updates to take that on board.

Patience here means seasons, not months. It's all too easy to forget that the stadium had years of under and then non investment because RM thought we would be moving to FF. COSU's plans to hit the ground running were completely destroyed by the delayed takeover which meant that all their initial ideas (which I believe included a fan zone) were shelved and the monies set aside for that had to be used to pay wages and other essential expenses necessary to keep the club alive until the takeover went through. It was touch and go for months as to whether we would even survive and I'm told that it was far from a given that all members of COSU were on the same page regarding the additional funds needed to even get the deal over the line.

And then it happened but by then, we were 3 weeks behind everyone and the emphasis had to be on the playing squad.

Even now, they have only been in charge for 5 months.

So, with respect, suggesting that patience and mid-table status is only acceptable as long as you get some financial details about the long term sustainability to satisfy you and enable you to post the odd smiley face icon is not only unreasonable, it is unbelievably egocentric.

Saving the club was nothing to do with you, me or any of the fans save the ones who make up COSU. Similarly, funding the club is also nothing to do with us. How they direct and spend the money is nothing to do with us. How they manage the funding differential and reduce the deficits, making it more sustainable is nothing to do with us. For all we know, they may be taking the view that for the next 2-3 seasons they will NOT be able to close the gap and may have to incur losses in order to be where they need to be long term, the EFL. I don't know and I don't care really because it's nothing to do with us.

These guys have put their hands in their own pockets to ensure that fans have a club to support, so I absolutely trust them to now not do anything to kill it. We are not at the mercy of one owner, there is a consortium made up of predominantly people like you and me who probably only differ because they have enough money to be able to afford to lose some of it. And they have done this for all of our benefit. They are the ones entitled to ask the financial questions (and I'm certain that they do).

I don't claim to speak for anyone other than me, but I'll wager that if, back in mid July, you asked every single fan to select the most preferable option between a) Going out of existence or b) Accepting mid table status for a few seasons whilst re-building took place, the answer would be almost 100% b) (with the differential being the one who put "Bart". There's always one.)

So, whilst I am absolutely sure that you, like me, are 100% grateful for what COSU have done, can I suggest that the next time you attend the Hall or watch the team on DAZN you inwardly smile and take a ton of comfort from the fact that these guys have made that simple act possible.

Then sit back, enjoy the game and stop personally worrying about the money side of things. It's nothing to do with us. They've got this.

I agree with that but I think the fans would like to know what the plans are for the stadium ie a timescale. Whether the fan zone will be implemented next season.

It's imperitive to make a return to the EFL but it's a long way for the team to be able to challenge and my worry is that fan numbers will drop off after watching such mediocrity. That will have an adverse effect on finances.

 

[wildheart]

I think it's been fairly frequently stated that there is a funding gap of about £1m by being in this league. That makes long term sustainability as a NL club with our current set up and stadium costs nigh on impossible I would have thought; we don't need regular updates to take that on board.

Patience here means seasons, not months. It's all too easy to forget that the stadium had years of under and then non investment because RM thought we would be moving to FF. COSU's plans to hit the ground running were completely destroyed by the delayed takeover which meant that all their initial ideas (which I believe included a fan zone) were shelved and the monies set aside for that had to be used to pay wages and other essential expenses necessary to keep the club alive until the takeover went through. It was touch and go for months as to whether we would even survive and I'm told that it was far from a given that all members of COSU were on the same page regarding the additional funds needed to even get the deal over the line.

And then it happened but by then, we were 3 weeks behind everyone and the emphasis had to be on the playing squad.

Even now, they have only been in charge for 5 months.

So, with respect, suggesting that patience and mid-table status is only acceptable as long as you get some financial details about the long term sustainability to satisfy you and enable you to post the odd smiley face icon is not only unreasonable, it is unbelievably egocentric.

Saving the club was nothing to do with you, me or any of the fans save the ones who make up COSU. Similarly, funding the club is also nothing to do with us. How they direct and spend the money is nothing to do with us. How they manage the funding differential and reduce the deficits, making it more sustainable is nothing to do with us. For all we know, they may be taking the view that for the next 2-3 seasons they will NOT be able to close the gap and may have to incur losses in order to be where they need to be long term, the EFL. I don't know and I don't care really because it's nothing to do with us.

These guys have put their hands in their own pockets to ensure that fans have a club to support, so I absolutely trust them to now not do anything to kill it. We are not at the mercy of one owner, there is a consortium made up of predominantly people like you and me who probably only differ because they have enough money to be able to afford to lose some of it. And they have done this for all of our benefit. They are the ones entitled to ask the financial questions (and I'm certain that they do).

I don't claim to speak for anyone other than me, but I'll wager that if, back in mid July, you asked every single fan to select the most preferable option between a) Going out of existence or b) Accepting mid table status for a few seasons whilst re-building took place, the answer would be almost 100% b) (with the differential being the one who put "Bart". There's always one.)

So, whilst I am absolutely sure that you, like me, are 100% grateful for what COSU have done, can I suggest that the next time you attend the Hall or watch the team on DAZN you inwardly smile and take a ton of comfort from the fact that these guys have made that simple act possible.

Then sit back, enjoy the game and stop personally worrying about the money side of things. It's nothing to do with us. They've got this.

I think these type of comments are a tough read, but so articulate and clearly the honest truth. Lets face it, we were fed out right lies & halve truths for decades. To expect the COSU to turn that mess around in six months is simply impossible. I had stayed away from my club for over two years because of one man. Even though I sucked through my teeth again yesterday at the performance,at least I enjoyed the day, supporting my team, which I thought had gone for good only a few months ago.
Thank you for a great post!

 

[barton west]

A win is a win and we still have a chance of Wembley, but that was uninspired. I'm sure it's easier from the stands but so many times there looked to be a forward pass on and we chose to go sideways. I have previously defended Bonne but feel he's had his chance and can't fit with our style of play. I was also a bit disappointed how easily a set of robust NLS defenders were able to shut Bim out. If Luton were watching, I suspect the chances of him staying with us have improved.
The North Bank with seats is so different to standing in the 70s and 80's. Not for me, looking forward to being back in South Upper for the next game.

Again a wins a win, but a Southend supporter must have done something really bad in a previous life, to deserve this lack of excitement in a game. Also I hope DW was ill, as only getting 3 mins yet MB had nearly all the game, it's like junior football where MBs parent being good friends with the manager....... How many chances has he had compared to DW without success, it just doesn't make sense.

No, it doesn’t make sense. Danny Waldron was signed back in the day when we did DD on a player. Watched several times by different people, spoken to people close to the player about his character etc. DW was the leading scorer in the NLN. He showed a determination to succeed by giving up a lucrative job to come and play for us.
Such moves don’t always work out of course, but in the few times I saw him early on, he looked well up for it.
So he sits on the bench, sometimes not even that, and watches Maestro Bonne. MB was not a player signed under the DD ethos . He was without a club, had not been playing and could not have been watched. He was signed on the basis of a reputation for scoring some years back. Bazzashrimper’s “striker” is not the only one who thinks MB is ******* useless.
It won’t happen, but I would really like to know from KM why Waldron is not being given a chance.

 

[barton west]

A win is a win and a clean sheet.However with did make hard work of it.The sickness causing the team changes probably didn't help.

Looking forward in returning to the West Stand for the next game from the awful East not sure why anyone stays there

Yes, it must be very uncomfortable surrounded by all those intellectuals.

 

[Thundersley Blue]

Totally agree. Kev doesn't know how to get the best out of what he has available.

Really !! You have a very short memory !!

 

[Thundersley Blue]

My man of the match was Coker. He and Gubbins are the two positives we can take out of this besides being in the next round.

Both were playing in unfamiliar roles but both looked comfortable enough in those roles to suggest they can help us in those roles going forward.

Gubbins has played the central centre-back before in pre-season but I think this was his first outing for us there in a competitive game. He looked a lot more assured than Crowther has all season. He was more comfortable in possession where he was more mobile and comfortable moving with the ball and opening up different passing angles. Southport didn’t press him like some teams would but he showed enough to suggest that Maher erred with going to Crowther first. He also looked a lot more comfortable defensively. Southport didn’t offer much threat but we didn’t look as vulnerable to the ball over the top as we have with Crowther.

Coker has only occasionally played LCM. This has been the role Noor has too often been forced into with Wes’ departure and Moncur’s lack of interest in the defensive side of the game. Indeed this has been IMO a major factor in Noor turning/passing backwards so much this season as a right footer on the left and not enough allowance has been given for Husin putting the team first in playing a role he’d rather not. Coker however did a much better job of being a right footer on the left than Noor has to the extent that I’d now switch them. It’s still not perfect - Coker got free down the left early on but his left foot cross was poor as one such example - but it enabled us to get Bridge more involved (it was heartening how two academy products years apart still seemed to have an understanding of what the other would be doing despite having rarely played in partnership together before).

The downside was that whilst our left was much more threatening (the goal coming from a Morton cross from the left; Bridge crossing to an on his heels Bonne etc) we offered little down the right. Hopefully the return of Gus can help that - I was underwhelmed by George Wind once more. In front of him KAF was an enigma. I almost wonder if he’d be better off as a wide player in a front three than as a midfielder. He’s a slippery player and at his best when he’s further forward and receiving the ball at the edge of the area, where he’s very comfortable receiving a ball with his back to goal and turning. This is particularly valuable when a team is just passing sideways as we can be liable to do as both his off the ball movement and on the ball running can break lines. This is probably the role we signed Moncur for which just goes to show that Moncur isn’t required.

In goal Jeacock had little to do. I was unimpressed by his distribution. He needs more zip in his passes. Recipients repeatedly had to wait for the ball which gave Southport time to close down. It’s the little things like this which is why he is some way behind Collin as keeper.

Enough has already been written about Bonne. I’d hoped he’d at least turn into a Dr*w* Br**ght*n (without the needless sending off to threaten a Wembley trip) and score all his goals in the minor cup competition but even that seems beyond him. Give me a more dynamic player please.

Bim had an off day - Kendall looks a better partner for him - but he was probably due one given how well he’s been playing. Credit to Southport they played him as well as any team has for a while.

Morton played well again but I’m not sure how he fits in the side. He has ability but he’s a difficult player to balance out his attributes (and weaknesses). I remember thinking the same about Maher before we solved that by signing Guttridge and Bentley. This would have been an ideal game for Cav with that ref - loved how Cav crashed into a tackle on coming on. I think Cav is a better fit as he allows others to be more attacking.

Bim put in a lot of effort and he got absolutely no help from the referee. Very hard for him to be productive when he was constantly being held back . Still something he will have to get used to. Part of the learning curve.

 

[Hawkwell Blue]

Totally agree. Kev doesn't know how to get the best out of what he has available.

Assume you didn’t see any game last season.

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

Assume you didn’t see any game last season.

Not sure if it counts but I saw all our games post -xmas on NL tv and the last home game live.

 

[They Call It Madness!!!]

I

I agree with that but I think the fans would like to know what the plans are for the stadium ie a timescale. Whether the fan zone will be implemented next season.

It's imperitive to make a return to the EFL but it's a long way for the team to be able to challenge and my worry is that fan numbers will drop off after watching such mediocrity. That will have an adverse effect on finances.

https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2024/september/19/facilities-update/

It's from September but does say clearly what the ambitions are and the work being undertaken to get it into place.

I just think some people need to be patient with the bigger picture and understand just how much has been completed, even since this article was published.

Just wrote a whole essay underneath this but deleted it so instead will sum it up here...

- Mediocrity is keeping 10 clean sheets in our last 16 games. That's impressive.

- Those 10 clean sheets included players that are continually berated on here as not being good enough and should be on 'the list' to depart.

- I would love us to score more, it didn't happen yesterday. I actually thought we played more direct at times yesterday and did try and play a fair few through balls. It was refreshing to see Wind take on his man more than once and go round him and get a delivery into the box from the right.

- Coker bossed that game. He was immense. Moreton was very tidy with the ball and allowed us to spread the play.

- For me, Gubbins scares me in the LCD position but he was really composed in the CCD position. Admittedly he didn't have alot to deal with but I thought he could develop there.

- Southports 15 had Pepple in his back pocket. Brilliant, no nonsense defender that was on Bim at every opportunity. Proper old school defending.

- A win and keeps the momentum going.

 

[teabee1]

How much was hospitality for this game? Tempted to do it if at home next round as I think it was cheaper?

It was £42 for Captain’s Lounge and Blues Legends Lounge. However it was colder in the Captains than it was outside, it’s a pretty awful place really, Blues Lounge is much much better except the position of the seats in the stand..

 

[IloveShrimp]

Brilliant Post!
I find it bizarre that there are a lot of people who just don't get this.
Ron ran this club into the ground over a period of 5 years and yet people are expecting us to be winning the league, have the best pitch and facilities and signing top better players after 5 months!!

This season is about setting the foundations in place to push on - be patient people!

I don't disagree with your sentiment, but I think some people don't understand that football is part of the entertainment industry. It is also not cheap to attend, both in money and time! It takes me a complete half day to attend RH. If people don't like what they see, they will either not come again or go elsewhere. How many people ask how good a film or show is before going to it themselves? I honestly can't say I would recommend the entertainment value at Roots Hall currently.
I have supported Southend United for over 5 decades and even I am getting fed up, never mind the prospective life long supporters who may not come back after witnessing us for the first time.
Some on here quote 'be patient, it'll take a few years to get over RM' bla bla bla, BUT I can tell you that many long term supporters like me (and many of those who sit around me) may not have many years left to wait! Have they thought of that!

 

[leeblue]

This 'football is entertainment' narrative is such dross. Such a modern football thing.
1982 is the first season I remember, if entertainment was anywhere near my criteria for support then I'm not sure I would have made it past 1985. People moaning about style of play as if they are some sort of pundit, when they actually sound like some entitled brat.....win! not like that! Whaaaaaaa whaaaa entertain me.
Community, coming together, representing my home town, the people you see week in week out, the people you then don't see , there's a game going on and yes it's nice to win, it is rare that in my 40 odd years you get truly entertaining football, even the Webb era of back to back promotions wasn't always entertaining a.lot of target man ball off of Benji and Brett. The tilly/Eastwood era was the most 'entertaining' period and even then it was often down to one man.
Don't let 90 minutes of football ruin a good day out x
Also patience is a virtue....let's be honest we've all shown a ton of that....a little more fellow shrimpers.
Ooh Honorable mention to judas Fry....that was an entertaining team.

 

[Holy Joe]

I don't disagree with your sentiment, but I think some people don't understand that football is part of the entertainment industry. It is also not cheap to attend, both in money and time! It takes me a complete half day to attend RH. If people don't like what they see, they will either not come again or go elsewhere. How many people ask how good a film or show is before going to it themselves? I honestly can't say I would recommend the entertainment value at Roots Hall currently.
I have supported Southend United for over 5 decades and even I am getting fed up, never mind the prospective life long supporters who may not come back after witnessing us for the first time.
Some on here quote 'be patient, it'll take a few years to get over RM' bla bla bla, BUT I can tell you that many long term supporters like me (and many of those who sit around me) may not have many years left to wait! Have they thought of that!

You're right in that time is precious. If you have something better/more enjoyable to do with your time - go and do that instead. COSU shouldn't (and probably cannot) speed up/change plans because some of us won't be here to see the results - and that could include some COSU members themselves..

 

[IloveShrimp]

This 'football is entertainment' narrative is such dross. Such a modern football thing.
1982 is the first season I remember, if entertainment was anywhere near my criteria for support then I'm not sure I would have made it past 1985. People moaning about style of play as if they are some sort of pundit, when they actually sound like some entitled brat.....win! not like that! Whaaaaaaa whaaaa entertain me.
Community, coming together, representing my home town, the people you see week in week out, the people you then don't see , there's a game going on and yes it's nice to win, it is rare that in my 40 odd years you get truly entertaining football, even the Webb era of back to back promotions wasn't always entertaining a.lot of target man ball off of Benji and Brett. The tilly/Eastwood era was the most 'entertaining' period and even then it was often down to one man.
Don't let 90 minutes of football ruin a good day out x
Also patience is a virtue....let's be honest we've all shown a ton of that....a little more fellow shrimpers.
Ooh Honorable mention to judas Fry....that was an entertaining team.

But football is an entertainment, why would say a family of four spend their dosh at Southend United at the moment, where the food offer is rubbish, the facilities poor and football on the pitch not entertaining?
Many supporters (me included) do not live in Southend so the community aspect is not so important for me/us. Back when we started supporting there was not so many competitors such as indoor play centres, computer/online gaming, indoor ice rinks etc. How does Southend United entice new fans is the question.