Official Match Thread Southend United v Oldham Athletic

[The Big Dady]

WOW WE SURVIVED (For Now)

The Official Match Thread brought to you by ShrimperZone.com

So here we are, our first home game in the Vanarama National League of the 2023/24 season. This is the Dream Team’s 44th home game in charge since Kevin Maher and his management team were appointed at the Mighty Shrimpers.

Our 1st home game is against Oldham Athletic



It is now time for ALL of us to get behind him and the team whether you are at Roots Hall, listening on the radio, listening on Blues TV, or watching on National League TV Stream, you can all still make that famous "Roots Hall Roar”.

Our 1st Southend United Vanarama National League Home Team of the 2023/24 season



The Roots Hall pitch is ready for action at 15.00 pm Saturday 5th August 2023 against Oldham Athletic. It looks like we will have thundery showers with a moderate breeze for this afternoon’s game at Roots Hall. The temperature will be around 16°C but feel like 17°C.





Here is the weather forecast for this afternoon’s game at Roots Hall



Current League home record after 0 home games

Won 0
Dawn 0
Lost 0
Goals scored 0
Goals conceded 0

League Positions Last Season

8th (2021/22 Season) Vanarama National League Southend United
12th (2021/22 Season) Vanarama National League Oldham Athletic

League Positions Current Season

21st (2022/23 Season) Vanarama National League Southend United
17th (2022/23 Season) Vanarama National League Oldham Athletic

Recent League Position Change



Previous Meetings

Oldham Athletic 2-0 Southend United (Vanarama National League 18/04/23 Att. 5,933)
Southend United 1-0 Oldham Athletic (Vanarama National League 20/08/22 Att. 5,414)
Oldham Athletic 0-0 Southend United (League Two 06/03/21 Att. 0 Covid)
Southend United 1-2 Oldham Athletic (League Two 27/10/20 Att. 0 Covid)
Oldham Athletic 0-3 Southend (League One 24/04/18 Att. 3,362)
Southend 2-0 Oldham Athletic (League One 02/12/17 Att. 5,608)

Head to Head record

Southend United Wins: 17
Draws: 11
Oldham Athletic Wins 13

Current Form

Southend United W D W L W W
Oldham Athletic D W W W W D

Current Form Table (Last 6 Games)



Come On You Blues!​

 

[The Big Dady]

Managers Pre-match Views​

Oldham Athletic

Oldham Athletic Manager David Unsworth did not do a pre-match interview and will not be travelling down to Roots Hall

Oldham Athletic Manager David Unsworth​

David Unsworth will be absent from tomorrow’s opening National League fixture at Southend United as he recovers from Covid-19.

The manager has not been present for training during the latter part of the week and did not travel with the team as they set off to Essex earlier today.

The team will be taken by assistant manager John Ebbrell and coach Steve Thompson. David will remain in constant dialogue with his staff in the lead up to the fixture and during the game.

Everyone at the club wishes the manager a quick and speedy recovery.

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Southend United

Keven Maher speaks to the Southend United OS before this afternoon’s game with Oldham Athletic

Southend United Manager Kevin Maher during interview​

Kevin Maher says it’s been difficult to set any targets for the new season after so much uncertainty during the summer months.

Maher and the squad trained on the Roots Hall pitch this afternoon ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Oldham Athletic, and afterwards, Maher spoke to the press pitchside.

On his ambitions, he said: “I haven’t looked too far ahead beyond Saturday if I’m honest. A lot of it's been reacting to stuff on a day-to-day basis. We usually set goals at the start of the season and throughout the season, at the minute we just want to go full tilt at the first game and see where that takes us.

“We’re behind, we know that, with what everyone has done in pre-season I think that’s pretty obvious. We’re coming up against a team that have recruited well, spent money and got things where they want them to be.”

Oldham, with former Blue Shaun Hobson in their ranks, are one of the favourites to be heading into the EFL come April, and Maher knows it’ll be a very challenging opener. “I have no doubts they’ll be around the top end of the table and so they should be as well.

“We welcome back Hobbo who is a brilliant signing for them because as a manager he was a dream. He’s gone back up there near his family and it’ll be good to see him, hopefully he’s on the losing side on Saturday! He’ll get the reception he deserves I’m sure.”

Despite a difficult pre-season, Maher is pleased he can now focus on football, with the games set to come thick and fast immediately.

“We’ll be giving everything we can to get those points just as you know Oldham will. The players are focused and ready to go and the backing we’ll have is going to play a part as well.

“You have a plan of what you want pre-season and what every day looks like. We’ve had to manage that in terms of balancing fitness in games and in training.

“Every club would’ve had a plan about how they go about it so we’re obviously slightly different. It may take us a few weeks to get fully up to speed.”

Blues are limited to a 16-man squad which is clearly a very difficult situation, but Maher was asked whether it may bring the lads even closer together.

“I think it helps that the players know us and we know them. The principles that we live and die by here are still the same ever since we’ve come in.”

Finally, he was asked about the two recent departures Henry Sandat and Tom Clifford, who have joined Hull City and King’s Lynn Town respectively.

“I think deep down Henry would’ve loved to say but an opportunity came and he’s decided to take that. Tom probably didn’t play as much as he wanted to last year and he had the opportunity to play regular football and it’s one we couldn’t deny him.

“We thank them for everything they’ve done for us at the football club.”

Saturday’s game gets underway at 3pm. Tickets are available to purchase HERE until midnight on Friday.

Supporters looking to collect their season cards should read this article.

Link to interview
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Kevin Maher spoke to the OS pre-view in game

Kevin Maher spoke to the Chris Phillips at the Echo before this afternoon’s game with Oldham Athletic

Staying positive Southend United boss Kevin Maher will be making no excuses this weekend​

Southend United Kevin Maher will not let his side’s indifferent pre-season be used as an excuse for the Shrimpers in the National League this term.

Blues kick off their campaign against Oldham Athletic at Roots Hall on Saturday having been able to play just two warm up matches in public.

But Maher remains firmly focused on getting the best from his small squad which is restricted to just 16 players due to a transfer embargo.

“We missed out on some things we wanted to do and we’ll have to factor that in but we won’t find excuses,” said Maher.

“We want to find a way of getting the best out of what we have and we’ll see where that takes us.

“We can all talk about pre-season and what has gone on and what hasn’t but 3pm on Saturday is all that matters and these players will be ready.”

The Shrimpers’ squad stopped training together for a week during pre-season as they waited for their wages and face a tough opening fixture tomorrow.

Oldham are tipped by many to push for promotion this season.

And Maher knows the Latics -who he played for during the 2008/09 season - will be difficult to beat.

“I have no doubts they will be up the top end of the table this season,” said Maher.

“We played them at the start of last year and they were probably in a difficult position themselves then.

“You can see how far they’ve come since then and they’ve recruited ever so well.

“We’re up against a team on a high who have recruited well and spent money.

“They’ve got things the way they want them and we’ve been different to that.

“It’s a tough test but it’s one we want to go and attack.”

And Maher is also not thinking too far beyond this weekend’s clash.

“I haven’t looked too much further ahead than Saturday to be honest,” said Maher.

“We set goals throughout the season and where that's at right now we’ll see.

“We’re working day by day so lets go full tilt at the first game and see where that takes us.

“We’re behind what everyone has done pre-season, we know that and it’s obvious.

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Big Preview

Southend United v Oldham Athletic
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Overview​

This weekend Southend United’s 2023/24 season gets underway as Blues entertain Oldham Athletic at Roots Hall.

We come into this opening fixture off the back of a pre-season which saw us beat Bishop’s Stortford and Canvey Island.

Kevin Maher will be hoping to get off to a winning start ahead of trips to Dagenham & Redbridge and Dorking Wanderers in the not-so-distant future.

The opposition​

Now in their second National League campaign, Oldham will be looking to improve upon their 12th place finish last time around.

The Latics had a mixed pre-season, winning two, drawing three and losing one.

This summer David Unsworth has brought in several new faces to Boundary Park, with Dan Ward, Josh Lundstram, Kurt Willoughby and Charlie Raglan all new at the Manchester based club.

They added to that tally earlier this week with the eye-catching additions of Brennan Dickenson and James Norwood, and who could forget a familiar face to us, Shaun Hobson.

A former Premier League club, Oldham competed in the top flight from 1992 until 1994. In the 2021/22 season the Latics were relegated from the EFL after 115 years in its ranks.

Previous meetings​

Blues have won 18 of the 43 meetings. The Latics have been victorious on 14 occasions with the honours being even 11 times.

Last season saw one win each. In August a first Blues goal for Dan Mooney saw Southend edge to a 1-0 victory whilst in April it was Oldham who picked up the three points thanks to strikes from Alex Reid and Ellis Chapman – securing a first home league win over Southend, for Oldham, since 1998.

Recently, Roots Hall has been a happy hunting ground for Oldham with the Latics losing just three of their past nine trips to South Essex and winning five, having previously only won twice at Blues prior to 2007.

From the gaffer​

In his pre-match media conference, Maher said: “The first game of the new season has that buzz about it. It’s usually after the back of a long pre-season - we’re slightly different because it has been a little bit indifferent to say the least, but we’re looking forward to Saturday and we’re all raring to go.

“We played Oldham at the start of last season and they were probably in a difficult position themselves. You can see how far they’ve come and they’ve recruited ever so well. I have no doubts they’ll be around the top end of the table and so they should be as well.

When asked about the fanbase’s support, Maher stated: “We’ve seen it enough times over the period I’ve been in charge, when they get behind us it’s a tough, tough place for teams to come and play.

“We need that in abundance on Saturday. They’ve shown with helping to get the game on – how they turned up in huge numbers to help get the stadium ready for us. Hopefully we can repay that with a performance and a result as well.”

Tickets​

Tickets go OFF SALE at midnight on Friday, 4 August. Make sure you buy beforehand – do so here.

Season card holders who have yet to collect their season card can do so on Saturday. They can also download their season ticket to their phone – for instructions click here.

For fans who want a physical season card and haven’t yet picked it up – fans located in the West Stand should go to the West Stand ticket office and those in the East and South Stands should go to the main ticket office off Victoria Avenue.

Ref watch​

Richie Watkins is the man in the middle on Saturday with this being the second time he has officiated a Southend game in 2023.

In March, Watkins was the referee in Blues’ 1-0 loss at Boreham Wood, a game where he awarded two penalties. He was also in charge of Oldham’s final day draw with Bromley in April.

Last season Watkins officiated six National League matches, distributing 16 yellow cards – four of which were given out in Blues’ clash with Boreham Wood.

Matchday programme​

Our matchday programme returns for the 2023/24 campaign and will be available to buy from sellers outside the stadium and at the programme hut, main gate off Victoria Avenue and the West Stand entrance.

We have several new features for this season as well as an interview with Nathan Ralph and updates from our academy and ladies sections as they prepare for the new season.

What’s happening elsewhere?​

All National Clubs begin their season on Saturday. Ebbsfleet United and Oxford City were both promoted from the National League South last term and both start the campaign on the road.

The Fleet make the long trip up to recently relegated Rochdale in what will be the opening weekend’s late kick-off on TNT Sports. Oxford will play their first ever National League game at Aldershot Town.

Promoted from the National League North in 2022/23 were AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers. Fylde get underway with a trip to Maidenhead United whilst Kiddy play their first National League game since 2016 at home to Woking.

Hartlepool United are also back in the fifth tier following their relegation from League Two last season. The north-east club go to Barnet.

Aldershot Town v Oxford City
Altrincham v Dagenham & Redbridge
Barnet v Hartlepool United
Chesterfield v Dorking Wanderers
FC Halifax Town v Bromley
Gateshead v Boreham Wood
Kidderminster Harriers v Woking
Maidenhead United v AFC Fylde
Solihull Moors v Eastleigh
Wealdstone v York City
Rochdale v Ebbsfleet United (17:30)

How to follow​

Blues TV is not currently available as we move over to a new digital platform. BBC Essex commentary will still be available on 95.3FM & DAB and also on the National League section of the BBC Sport website and app.

Another option is to follow live minute-by-minute updates on social media via the club’s official Twitter account by following @SUFCRootsHall, which will mean you get all our exclusive content throughout the 2023/24 season.

If you’re not in the UK, National League streaming is available worldwide here. Domestic fans can only stream matches that fall on a midweek date or during an international break.

Link to story
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BBC Essex Radio Link

BBC Essex Link

Watch on Vanarama National League TV Live Stream



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National League TV

Previous Home Meeting

Come On You Blues!​

 

[The Big Dady]

Oldham Athletic Team

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Great work @The Big Dady - loving seeing one of these again!

 

[The Big Dady]

Only 15 named players.

 

[Holy Joe]

Pitch looking ok from the s upper.

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Oldham need to give us back our centre back. We're short of one for this game.

 

[Morty01]

Post OTS when available please

 

[Holy Joe]

What the status of Crowhurst - not on the bench

 

[hlane17]

If we somehow avoid a battering I'll be happy.

 

[Floval Flyer]

No sub GK? Can we not even put a kid goalie on the bench?

 

[AlfaShrimper]

What the status of Crowhurst - not on the bench

I think with demi registered, lomas likely registered and Mooney still here we cant register him?

 

[Holy Joe]

I think with demi registered, lomas likely registered and Mooney still here we cant register him?

If Crowhurst was under contract then he would be in the 16 - rules don't allow you to deregister to bring new players (JD) in. Did his contract expire last season?

 

[Mr Browns Ghost]

From the photos I’m seeing the pitch looks deliberately narrower than other seasons .. a tactic from super Kev? It will gradually get narrower and shorter week by week and end up 7 a side

 

[Holy Joe]

There is another keeper warming up with Collin.

Anyone know who he is?

 

[Shrimpet steve]

I like the look of this team! We still have some decent players.

 

[Strykr]

Anyone got a link to the commentary?

(Aaaah its good to be back )

 

[Shrimper Brownie]

Anyone got a link to the commentary?

(Aaaah its good to be back )

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/66279066

 

[Holy Joe]

From the photos I’m seeing the pitch looks deliberately narrower than other seasons .. a tactic from super Kev? It will gradually get narrower and shorter week by week and end up 7 a side

Not clear to me that the east touchline has been moved

 

[gpd]

I must say...there were moments I thought we'd never see another Official Match Thread. Welcome back old friend. I look forward to following throughout the afternoon. COYB's!