Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 1-1 Rochdale

[Fitz]

Enjoyable game and loved our new chap LCP, got me out of my seat and it’s been a long time since a Southend player has done that, looks a great find!

Thought Rochdale looked good and showed our limitation’s, that said could have won it at the end. Thought LCP, KAF and Bonnie made a massive impact, would love too see all three of them start on Tuesday.

Some of the boo boys really starting to hack me off in the stands and idiots who started singing ‘sideways and backwards’ after 25 mins! Sense some of the players were picking up a little on the negativity. Got better in the 2nd half, but do feel some of our fans are a little delusional at times.

 

[kentblues]

Enjoyable game and loved our new chap LCP, got me out of my seat and it’s been a long time since a Southend player has done that, looks a great find!

Thought Rochdale looked good and showed our limitation’s, that said could have won it at the end. Thought LCP, KAF and Bonnie made a massive impact, would love too see all three of them start on Tuesday.

Some of the boo boys really starting to hack me off in the stands and idiots who started singing ‘sideways and backwards’ after 25 mins! Sense some of the players were picking up a little on the negativity. Got better in the 2nd half, but do feel some of our fans are a little delusional at times.

Give them an area in the away end. Not real fans…probably Spammers who can’t afford the ticket prices…

 

[OldBlueLady]

The thing with how good Bonne and LCP looked when they came on, is subs can often make impressive impacts....would they look that good from the start?

I've been a big advocate of Bonne's since he came, and am desperate for him to do well. That's two games in a row where he has had a great impact, and he works so hard as well, hopefully people are seeing that.

No problem with Kev changing the team - we had/have 4 games in 11 days, so some legs do need a bit of a rest sometimes. What I did have a problem with was the fact that both Coker and Husin looked poor yesterday and should have been hooked earlier. Even Morton had problems with passing in the 1st half as well, so the whole of midfield got over run pretty easily in that half of the match.

Kendall is still raw and needs some work on control. He has the energy and the balls to run, but his control so often lets him down. And decision making. Maybe have a word with our Freddy and see if he can come in and give him a bit of coaching because I don't think there's anyone on our coaching staff can help.

I thought the defence actually worked hard against a very disciplined Rochdale side, and I'd have picked Nathan Ralph as my MOTM.

Was in the same box as @shrimperjon and the "Hand of God" goal was bang in line with us - we had no idea that it was hand ball! Looked perfectly good to us! Funny how much angles matter.

Most of our subs made a difference when they came on, I love KAF's energy, and I think it's great to have that on the bench to frustrate tired oppositions....does it work so well from the start? I'm not sure.

I will say that Rochdale looked a very well drilled side, their energy far outweighed our boys' - the way they surged both forwards and back in numbers put ours to shame somewhat, so, perhaps some stamina work might help improve that aspect for us.

Hayes - 7, didn't have much to do
Gus - 7, Duracell bunny
Taylor - 7.5
Goodliffe - 6.5
Ralph - 8
Bridge - 7
Coker - 6
Husin - 6
Morton - 7
Kendall - 6.5
Hopper - 6.5

Subs:
Bonne for Hooper - 8
LCP for Coker - 8
KAF for Kendall - 7.5
Walker for Husin - n/a

On to Tuesday, under the lights, and hopefully, a much better performance.

 

[rigsby]

The thing with how good Bonne and LCP looked when they came on, is subs can often make impressive impacts....would they look that good from the start?

I've been a big advocate of Bonne's since he came, and am desperate for him to do well. That's two games in a row where he has had a great impact, and he works so hard as well, hopefully people are seeing that.

No problem with Kev changing the team - we had/have 4 games in 11 days, so some legs do need a bit of a rest sometimes. What I did have a problem with was the fact that both Coker and Husin looked poor yesterday and should have been hooked earlier. Even Morton had problems with passing in the 1st half as well, so the whole of midfield got over run pretty easily in that half of the match.

Kendall is still raw and needs some work on control. He has the energy and the balls to run, but his control so often lets him down. And decision making. Maybe have a word with our Freddy and see if he can come in and give him a bit of coaching because I don't think there's anyone on our coaching staff can help.

I thought the defence actually worked hard against a very disciplined Rochdale side, and I'd have picked Nathan Ralph as my MOTM.

Was in the same box as @shrimperjon and the "Hand of God" goal was bang in line with us - we had no idea that it was hand ball! Looked perfectly good to us! Funny how much angles matter.

Most of our subs made a difference when they came on, I love KAF's energy, and I think it's great to have that on the bench to frustrate tired oppositions....does it work so well from the start? I'm not sure.

I will say that Rochdale looked a very well drilled side, their energy far outweighed our boys' - the way they surged both forwards and back in numbers put ours to shame somewhat, so, perhaps some stamina work might help improve that aspect for us.

Hayes - 7, didn't have much to do
Gus - 7, Duracell bunny
Taylor - 7.5
Goodliffe - 6.5
Ralph - 8
Bridge - 7
Coker - 6
Husin - 6
Morton - 7
Kendall - 6.5
Hopper - 6.5

Subs:
Bonne for Hooper - 8
LCP for Coker - 8
KAF for Kendall - 7.5
Walker for Husin - n/a

On to Tuesday, under the lights, and hopefully, a much better performance.

The business end of the pitch is always lower marks than the defence. Many on here would give them an overall 6 at best…And rightly so.

Personally I would start with Bonne and Kendal. Have said so for weeks. Getting a lead is vital for us not impact subs.

Whatever you view on formations, yesterday produced chances. That means it worked. Unfortunately once again we add to the growing list of miss of the season chances. Most of us could probably list 10 that would win it in previous good seasons.

Football is a very simple game which has been picked apart to create the frustrating Frankenstein monster that we have ended up with. Sometimes the simplest of solutions are staring us all in the face. The whole club just needs to recognise it.

on Tuesday I would rather see the right 2 up top and a place for the new lad in the centre. Rather than the favoured 343 that has suddenly sprouted a life on here.

 

[wildheart]

Agree with most of the above but we are carrying out of form players in Husin, Coker & Bridge if they had been replaced at half time I am convinced we would have won yesterday. Rochdale struggled to contain us once we got behind them, we were far too passive again. Really like the look of LCP.

 

[BriggBlue]

It's come to something when a Rochdale fan tells us how bad our ground is. Even Rochdale have managed to redevelop their ground to a decent level compared to what it once was.
Still I'm sure it won't be long before our plans for redevelopment will be revealed.

They haven't, the council developed their ground.

Actually doing a bit of digging, the council can no longer afford to run the ground and are looking to sell it which could be bad news for them

 

[Chris Powell's mate]

They haven't, the council developed their ground.

Actually doing a bit of digging, the council can no longer afford to run the ground and are looking to sell it which could be bad news for them

Did you say 'doing a bit of digging?'...

 

[CaptainSmudger]

LCP looks like he can make something happen. Completely different to anything we have. Must start on Tuesday instead of Coker or Husin. Even if he can only last 60 minutes, start him.

Agree 100% also start Bonne,bring on Hopper after 60 mins for something different.COYB,UTB

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

They haven't, the council developed their ground.

Actually doing a bit of digging, the council can no longer afford to run the ground and are looking to sell it which could be bad news for them

That was before 2016. Rochdale FC secured full control of the stadium in 2016 from the council after a deal was done and a deal to pay back the council a loan, over 9 years. Then they were in all sorts of money troubles and nearly went out of business a few times. They became fan owned, and then run out of money to operate. They were saved with investment and sponsorship. They are now Rochdale AFC of course. They've also had all sorts of pitch trouble as they share their ground with Rochdale Hornets rugby league club. They nearly went into liquidation again in 2024, but the Ogden family stepped in to take majority control and invested £2m. So we share the survival struggle with Rochdale after looking into this. I wonder how many clubs in the lower leagues, are on the verge of liquidation, that we don't even know are in trouble. I bet quite a few are in big trouble, and hanging on by their fingertips.

 

[Ipswhrimp]

And many knowledgeable fans around me in West Stand block v. Many of us around my seat who have had season tickets for years are totally ****ed off

And I was in V block too, as was my lift. We heard negativity from isolated boo boys (God knows how that’s meant to help any player low on confidence), but it was a vocal minority. From my perspective, the Amigos got it just about right, tactically. I’m sure your seasoned season-ticket holding acquaintances are knowledgeable. But as pointed out by another poster on another thread, Kev has forgotten far more about football than any supporter can ever hope to know.

Overall, a great day’s entertainment. Favourite moment, Bonne shaking hands with their irritating but talented No. 14 following the yellow cards, then shoving him away. Top pantomime and great attitude!

 

[WestyReturns]

But we kept the same formation? So nothing to do with our fetish about formations. Not saying you were suggesting otherwise. What changed was what Bonne and LCP brought in particular. LCP would be a 10 in a 352 or 3412 to be clearer.

It looked like we did. I think the main gripe is whatever formation is played we tend to have an overload in defensive minded players who don't make forward runs or overlap (Rochdale were actually great at this first half because they had no concerns about needing to cover backwards). There isn't a golden tactic that works in football but I can understand than clamour for 3 forwards because it means Kev naturally increases the amount of attacking options. At least he recognised we were going to get nothing from the game leaving it is it was and changed it. I did see Curry have a long convo with him just before the subs (not trying to start a conspiracy theory ;-) )

 

[Boreham Blue]

For my money, we started the better of the teams. The high press of 5/6 players really put them under pressure and created mistakes - also got the crowd on side. We got into good positions but Kendall looked like he had his boots on the wrong feet.

They then settled and looked a better side than us. Their number 14 (whilst a dick) played on both sides and the contrast with Jack Bridge was evident to me. Jack has been a great servant but has gone from a real threat to invisible. We need to strengthen here.

Despite them being better we created and were still very much in it.

Then our subs brought the impetus back. I’m really pleased how Bonne is now being cheered by the crowd and wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a contract extension at the end of the year. Leon was really exciting and I hope we see some more minutes from him on Tuesday.

I didn’t hear the booing that Kev is getting so irked about. From West block S I could just hear the applause. Where is it particularly coming from?

 

[palexander]

Really decent last quarter to the game especially when Bonne and Leon came on and Maher took the shackles off. It’s frustrating as we look such a good side when we are allowed to get the ball forward quickly, we’ve seen loads of times that sides cannot handle us. This is my ultimate frustration with Maher is that we have the players to play that way but he constrains them.

Worrying comment (and forgive me, I have it out of context) but hearing he will have to “tactically coach lcp” is the sort of death knoll he’s given too many players. Enjoy lcp for now as it seems sideways and backwards passes are coming when we’ve seen what he’s all about really.

Always Bonne literally said in his interview “our plan was to shut up shop which we did well”. Anyways…

Thought that was Taylor’s worst game I’ve seen him play. Gave the ball away a lot and seemed a yard off it but props overall to the grandstand finish and especially Bonne, KAF and lcp. All must be getting a bit miffed they can’t get a start.

That said, I do bemoan when Maher constantly changes the side (as I did at 2pm yesterday with yet another change). I’d be tempted to go same again Tuesday but do think Bonne for hopper at least is warranted.

Decent result though, thought Rochdale were very good and well drilled. Very comfortable playing through the lines and a point ultimately is good. We really do need to follow that up with a win and 7 from 9 at home would be a decent return.

 

[WestyReturns]

Had we started 3 - 4 - 3, we would have been overrun very quickly. A good decision to change in my opinion.

But we were overrun because we were very deep. We sat back with a deep back 5 without the ball which allowed them to do that. Rochdale had 3 chances in the 6 yard box and missed 2 amazingly. We were losing 0-1 up until we changed anything so you could say it's a fact the starting line up/formation/players/instructions were wrong to begin with. I'm pleased it was changed though and we commited more people forward. How many games would we have seen in the past where it would be left and we watch it play out in frustration with little reaction.

 

[BlueBore]

Did you say 'doing a bit of digging?'...

Not in the Rose West stand I hope!

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

I didn’t hear the booing that Kev is getting so irked about. From West block S I could just hear the applause. Where is it particularly coming from?

There were some boos from my area, V/W block just like there was a brief surfacing of the “sideways and backwards” chant but it was the minority and died out pretty quickly. The dust up involving Bonne seemed to wake up our fans who gave the team great support towards the end I thought, as we chased the win.
It doesn’t take much it seems (for some) and every pass back is groaned at by some ‘usual suspects’. However those around me had a pretty balanced view of the game.

I think a lot of the frustration comes from knowing we CAN attack teams and sometimes the crowd I think like to see a bit of passion. Under no circumstances should we ever be booing substitutions. That’s not on (my opinion!)

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

For my money, we started the better of the teams. The high press of 5/6 players really put them under pressure and created mistakes - also got the crowd on side. We got into good positions but Kendall looked like he had his boots on the wrong feet.

They then settled and looked a better side than us. Their number 14 (whilst a dick) played on both sides and the contrast with Jack Bridge was evident to me. Jack has been a great servant but has gone from a real threat to invisible. We need to strengthen here.

Despite them being better we created and were still very much in it.

Then our subs brought the impetus back. I’m really pleased how Bonne is now being cheered by the crowd and wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a contract extension at the end of the year. Leon was really exciting and I hope we see some more minutes from him on Tuesday.

I didn’t hear the booing that Kev is getting so irked about. From West block S I could just hear the applause. Where is it particularly coming from?

There was booing coming from that end of the ground early on when Bridge didn't have a pass on and passed back. I know because I was at the back of V and I shouted out to those moronic idiots to shut up. Absolutely disgusting to boo your own players. It even made Bridge turn around to the west with his arms aloft and say 'why?' Then that awful idiotic chant of 'sideways and backwards' started. It helps absolutely no one. There was also some boos when Kendall was announced as a player going off.

I was so shocked it was coming from the end of the ground that is normally so supportive. Of course, it's not everyone, just a few. But those few are definitely heard and they either need to shut up or not attend, as what they are doing does not support the club or the players. It's no wonder they play with fear at home.

 

[Uncle_Rons_Teapot]

Poor first 65 minutes with the three subs making a big impact turning the game in our favour which was rubber stamped by the introduction of the lad from Slough.

All in all a good point against a very good Rochdale side.

Onto Tuesday night

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

There was booing coming from that end of the ground early on when Bridge didn't have a pass on and passed back. I know because I was at the back of V and I shouted out to those moronic idiots to shut up. Absolutely disgusting to boo your own players. It even made Bridge turn around to the west with his arms aloft and say 'why?' Then that awful idiotic chant of 'sideways and backwards' started. It helps absolutely no one. There was also some boos when Kendall was announced as a player going off.

I was so shocked it was coming from the end of the ground that is normally so supportive. Of course, it's not everyone, just a few. But those few are definitely heard and they either need to shut up are not attend, as what they are doing does not support the club or the players. It's no wonder they play with fear at home.

Great attitude Dan. A few in W block got told to wind it in, a shout or two of "if you cant support the team then **** off". I'm all for that, it's tough enough a goal down against a very tidy side, without "fans" taking the **** out of their own team. I made Jack right holding out his arms to us, he gets the ball looks up and sees statues.
Maybe try a curved run Tom Hopper, you need to lose your man.

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Really decent last quarter to the game especially when Bonne and Leon came on and Maher took the shackles off. It’s frustrating as we look such a good side when we are allowed to get the ball forward quickly, we’ve seen loads of times that sides cannot handle us. This is my ultimate frustration with Maher is that we have the players to play that way but he constrains them.
Thought that was Taylor’s worst game I’ve seen him play. Gave the ball away a lot and seemed a yard off it but props overall to the grandstand finish and especially Bonne, KAF and lcp. All must be getting a bit miffed they can’t get a start.

That said, I do bemoan when Maher constantly changes the side (as I did at 2pm yesterday with yet another change). I’d be tempted to go same again Tuesday but do think Bonne for hopper at least is warranted.

Decent result though, thought Rochdale were very good and well drilled. Very comfortable playing through the lines and a point ultimately is good. We really do need to follow that up with a win and 7 from 9 at home would be a decent return.

I agree. That was the worst game he's had as a central defender, by a mile. He looked out of sorts, a lot slower than usual, and was caught out a few times. He's obviously carrying a little niggle, or could of been one of those affected by the stomach bug at the club? Anyway, it wouldn't be the worst decision to let him recover the next game, and start with Golding and Goodliffe in central defence. Goodliffe has played the right side of central defence before. So give Taylor a one game rest. That's it. He's too good to leave out more than that.