Pre-Match Thread Southend United v Sutton, Saturday 12th September, 15:00 k.o., NL

[loyal blue]

We will win this,start bonne

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

Surely Sutton will be working on how to stop our right back & left back from scoring ............. after all, that is where the majority of our goals have come from so far. [wide eyes]

 

[Maldon Shrimper]

It's not Kev style to change the team unless there are injuries so expect same starting eleven as Tuesday night with similar substitutions as well.
Would expect in the near future once Bonne is fully match fit he will replace Pepple

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

It is an interesting conundrum - give Pepple 60 mins to tire the opposition defence so that Bonne can have a good 30 mins & build fitness & confidence ............

........... or use Bonne for 60 mins as he is the more experienced player & build fitness that way.

 

[kentblues]

Much will depend on how Bonnie trains I expect to decide whether he plays first 60 or last 20. Other than that no changes.

People and Bonne won’t start together as then one would need to play 90 up top on their own.

 

[Westcliff Shrimper]

Much will depend on how Bonnie trains I expect to decide whether he plays first 60 or last 90. Other than that no changes.

People and Bonne won’t start together as then one would need to play 90 up top on their own.

Unless we sign another striker, of course, then we can theoretically start with both...

(am not ITK by the way - just a theory)

 

[Evening Echo]

ALL the updates from the pre-match interviews ahead of Southend United's clash with Sutton United.

Read more on this story


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[Cricko]

Momentum Is Building, Says Maher

The official website of Southend United FC

www.southendunited.co.uk

“We’ve got to keep building,” says Kevin Maher as Blues head into the weekend’s game against Sutton United with momentum on our side.

Following on from the come-from-behind draw against Dagenham & Redbridge, Maher’s team picked up a good point away at Oldham before playing excellently in the midweek win over Eastleigh.

He spoke about how happy he was with that result, but knows how crucial it is to back it up. “It was important to get the three points first and foremost because it keeps building the momentum.

“Right throughout the team, they all put a shift in and they all contributed without the ball too, but we’ve got to keep building.
“We’ve been getting better as the season’s gone on despite the changes in personnel.”


“Results build confidence and we look forward to the next game now. You’ve got to be prepared and be ready for what’s to come because it’ll be a team [Sutton] that will be smarting a bit and will want to react.

“We’ve been in this league long enough to know how tough it is. You’ve got to keep attacking every game.”

As the Head Coach touched upon, Sutton haven’t been in the best form of late, but knows that they’re capable.

“I watched them against Forest Green and there was nothing in that. It can happen in this league that you lose games, but I’ve got no doubt that they’ll come and give us a good game.”

He’s looking forward to welcoming their goalkeeper, former fans’ favourite Steve Arnold back to Roots Hall. “What a brilliant character and a brilliant person. He was brilliant here when he was playing for us and I’m sure he’ll get a warm welcome from everyone at the football Club.”

Maher was also pleased with the defensive record so far this season, which was embellished by a clean sheet on Tuesday. He was asked specifically about the form of Joe Gubbins.

“We’ve had changes in personnel but we’ve got a structure in place which they all know. I was pleased with the lads the other night against a top, top player in Paul McCallum but it’s another really tough one on Saturday.

“We know Joe quite well of course and he can provide an outlet for us with that left foot. Defensively as well, that’s the most important thing and he’s put in a number of good performances. That’s gone now, and we’ve got to back it up.”

 

[duncan bulgaria]

Same team ,same intensity, same result pls Kev

 

[Barry.C]

I wouldnt straight out drop Pepple. What good would that do his confidence after that very good display. He surprised me with his energy, pace and strength. Won more headers upfront than Ive seen Cardwell achieve, so must also be a good leaper, blistering run with the ball too

 

[Tommy2holes]

Looks like Sutton will bring around 200 on Saturday.

Hope we start the same side and keep up the fast pass and move tempo.

I can't see Bonne starting just yet.

 

[leeblue]

Really? After an assist and a goal?

I guess our squad depth is starting to come into fruition if we are thinking about benching Bridge after Tuesday's performance.

If all are fit enough, that same 11 will start.

I'm projecting into the future a little tbh.

 

[Shr1mperBlue]

I'm projecting into the future a little tbh.

Bridge seemed to have lacked mobility recently (towards end of last season and beginning of this). I’d also have questioned his desire to get up and down the pitch like he needs to do in that position. But, if he can keep up the form and hard work which was on display at Oldham against Eastleigh, then he is still one of the first name on my team sheet. Got lots to offer when on form, don’t count him as on his way out just yet!

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

I'm projecting into the future a little tbh.

Yes, you may well be right. One can envisage Walker and Bonne up top together, with Moncur in behind them.

I guess it will be up to Bridge to fight for his place either at LWB or CAM. I still can't believe I'm talking about a team without Bridge in it with how good he has been. That's the beauty of a squad and more specifically, being able to add to it.

 

[cerbera45]

loved Steve Arnold when he was here

 

[Smiffy]

loved Steve Arnold when he was here

Sure he will get a warm reception. Deservedly so.

Super Steve Arnold in gooooaaaaallll

 

[Chrisb]

I would expect the same starting 11 as Tuesday, unlike Kev to change winning team and they all deserve their places. Depending on how the match is going would expect similar subs too, unless we have a new signing which might change things a bit.

 

[leeblue]

same 11 surely, as stated above Kev not one to change a winning team.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Why change a winning formula. Pepple to wear down the defence for 70 mins, Bonne to come on and score the winner ..

 

[RHB]

Why change a winning formula. Pepple to wear down the defence for 70 mins, Bonne to come on and score the winner ..

Or Jack Bridge, just to prove a point.