It’s Premiership versus League One on Tuesday night as Colchester United head to Sunderland for their Carling Cup second round tie, a fixture which most neutrals will see as a ‘cup final’ for Colchester United. But only three years and a half ago U’s fans will remember a very different story.
Sat, 21 Apr 2007 - Roy Keane assembled his premiership-bound charges to the almighty Layer Road. Jonny Evans, Stern John and Dwight Yorke lined up against little Colchester, punching well above their weight currently sitting 9th in England’s second tier of football. Loitering outside of the Drury, I look around; it’s the perfect day for football. Blue & White shirts streaming up a sun drenched Layer Road en route to a tired and decrepit Layer Road (to quote Jon Champion from ITV’s highlights programme) . Wayne Brown fired Colchester United ahead right of the cusp of half time, bad-tempered manager Roy Keane missed it due to heading down the tunnel as soon as the 4th officials board went up. No doubt Keane would have demanded to know what happened as his players joined him in the changing room minutes later. Sunderland hit back minutes after the restart through Trinidad and Tobago’s biggest export; Dwight Yorke. (Shaka Hislop was my favourite export until I discovered he was born in Hackney.) The fearless U’s went on to net 2 more goals, scored by Richard Garcia and Jamie Cureton.
I remember standing at work in a fish & chip shop a couple of hours after the game, temperature inside must have been 30°C at least.
I thought to myself; “This is it…Unless we somehow make the play-offs for the Premier League (which was still a possibility).”
As a spotty teenager in a red and white apron, I knew this was the peak for Colchester United. And it’s somewhat comforting now when I see the gulf in class between the two teams again. It’s what being a football league fan is all about, never expecting too much, and always thriving on being the under-dog.
Roy Keane walked out on Sunderland…..Surprisingly. Many of the squad he bought to Layer Road are with him at that club up the A12. Likewise the majority of our squad that day have departed.
Hopefully being the underdog will benefit us Tuesday; even though I would much rather 3 points in the league at home to Carlisle on Friday night. Will Ward tweak his starting XI from that who has started the last 2 league games? I think he’ll bear in mind the prospect of picking up injuries as well as fatigue from extensive hours on the team bus this week.
I’m not expecting too much this time around, although I’m looking forward to finding an English bar and watching Gillette Soccer Special whilst I’m in Portugal. I'm sure you'll agree, that’s why we go abroad right?
A reverse of fortunes for Colchester United this week as the U’s were on the right side of an 83rd minute goal. Ian Henderson stealing all 3 points at the depth against a resolute Rochdale side. Andy Bond continued to impress as he added to his goal tally, putting united ahead in the 38th minute. Rochdale equalised within minutes of starting the second half, Dawson unopposed heading home from a corner. After going in front late on Colchester managed to hold on and gratefully take 3 points back to North Essex.
Dagenham & Redbridge were encouraged with the news that Lee Hughes was sidelined with a groin injury but John Still will rue the missed chances during a positive first half. Josh Scott hitting the woodwork was the closest of the Dagenham opportunities. Notts County came out stronger after half time and went ahead on 54 minutes, Craig Westcarr slotting home after a neat move from County’s Ben Davies. Daggers will undoubtedly be looking forward to playing at Victoria Road, Tranmere are the visitors next Saturday.
Southend United have now suffered successive losses after a 3-1 defeat to a strong Port Vale side. The Shrimpers got off to a less than ideal start when Justin Richards put Vale 1-0 up on 5 minutes; this was followed by a second after half time. It was 3-0 on 83 minutes before an own goal by Gareth Owen. Southend find themselves 22nd and will need to start picking up points soon to avoid slipping into a relegation dog fight.
It’s still looking good at the top of the Blue Square South as far as Essex teams are concerned. Chelmsford City made it 3 wins out of 3 games and go top of the league with a brace from Dave Rainford. Takumi Ake made it 3 on 46” and effectively wrapped up the points for City. Braintree Town drew away at St. Albans City whilst Thurrock failed to hold on to a 2-1 lead and eventually drew 2-2 with Boreham Wood. It was Elliot Godfrey who grabbed an 83rd minute equaliser and robbing Thurrock of all 3 points.
Billericay Town find themselves on top of the pile this evening with an impressive 3-0 win over Tonbridge Angels. AFC Hornchurch secured an opening day win against Cray Wanderers, 1-0 was enough to secure all 3 points. Canvey Island, Aveley and Concord Rangers all picking up a solitary point after all drawing their respective fixtures.
Grays Athletic began their life in the Ryman League North with a 1-0 defeat against Harlow Town at their make shift home in East Thurrock. Brentwood Town currently occupy top spot with a convincing 5-0 home thrashing of Leyton. Maldon and Tiptree won their first ever competitive league fixture, a 2-0 triumph over Potters Bar in front of an attendance of just 57. Meanwhile, Heybridge Swifts managed a sure start, beating Tilbury 1-0 at Scraley Road. Romford beat Cheshunt 2-1, East Thurrock drew 1-1 with Great Wakering Rovers whilst Redbridge lost 1-0 away to AFC Sudbury and Ilford drew 2-2 away at Waltham Forest.
With Dagenham and Redbridge not in action last weekend, it was a chance for fans to give closer inspection to how other teams have adapted to the new League One season. Perhaps the most dumbfounding and surprising of observations can be trailed to our opponents tomorrow, Notts County. Out of the four promoted teams from League Two, it has generally been the opinion of many fellow fans, pundits and ‘experts’ that Notts County would fair the best and may even be dark horses for the play-offs or further promotion. However Notts County have been slapped in the face by the gulf between League Two and League One as quick as Sol Campbell running for the exit sign. Notts County have yet to score, losing their first two games 3-0 to Huddersfield Town and Paul Dickov’s Oldham Athletic. With many Notts County fans bizarrely questioning Craig Short’s tactics already, is this perhaps a ideal opportunity to get our first win of the season although not only that, but away from home where we have struggled in recent years?
Dagenham and Redbridge’s begun their quest for survival or La Salvezza as the Italians call it – Salvation – on the opening day losing to Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough. If anything, this performance produced confirmation rather than doubt that La Salvezza (I may continue to use this term to provoke some romanticism when it may get gloomy) is possible for Dagenham and Redbridge this season. Due to the regrettable circumstances which called off the game against Exeter City last week, Dagenham will now travel away again although will John Still now pinpoint this game with his trusty finger as a game to be ceased on. Many fans will have no doubt trawled through the fixture list looking for possible points. The home games against Exeter, Tranmere and Leyton Orient seem achievable, however Gillingham’s one season stay in League One last season proves that home form on its own simply won’t be good enough. Gillingham finished 21st last season, after going the whole season without an away win. Obstinately, Daggers must improve on their travels to have any chance of maintaining their League One status. But how? The ethos is more easily said that executed as we prepare to come up against masterful Ben Davies in midfield and thug but annoyingly good Lee Hughes who tore the Daggers apart last season in a 3-0 win at Meadow Lane.
Transcending with my true Football Manager helmet on, where my CV speaks for itself if you even dare to question, John Still stated the intention at the start of the season that the sky is the limit for the team, therefore he won’t be holding back and will give the team full freedom to attack, fully aware that this could backfire into a few heavy defeats. This was music to my ears and there was no going back on his promise when he started with a 4-4-2 formation against Sheffield Wednesday with Tomlin and Benson upfront in a game where many others would bail out for the cautious and predictable 4-5-1 or 5-4-1. Still is known to favour continuity and will most likely stick with this line-up; however I’d be tempted to make a few changes that would greater resemble the ‘play-off’ or ‘Wembley’ team which was so effective.
I would team up Gain and Vincelot in central midfield again. Infact I was surprised John opted to break them up in the first place; Gain looked missing at times against Wednesday and is much more effective in the centre in his versed age. When Vincelot was moved to partner the Irishman at the backend of last season, I hadn’t seen such stability since the early Taiwo-Gain partnership. I think with Gain’s experience and ability, it is essential that he gives the defence protection against the likes of Davies and Hughes. If Scannell is fit, I would be get him on that left-wing. The early indications have suggested that the full-back area is one of Nott’s weakest areas, with Hunt reportedly suffering a shaky start. Therefore if Green and Scannell can get the space to run at the full-backs, it could be the avenue of much success. Finally, I would get Scott back in place of Tomlin despite the events that have occurred this week . Nothing against Tomlin, I have only seen him in one game, but Notts County possess two burly defenders in Edwards and Thompson, similar to Purse and Beevers of Wednesday who dwarfed Tomlin the whole game. Josh on the other hand offers some strength and may be able to hold up the ball to allow the likes of Danny Green to get in penetrating positions. I await my scouting fee in the post Mr Still.
I’m off for a bite to eat but I’ll leave you with this. It will be hard to dampen the “Dagger” spirit this season as simply we have nothing to lose. On the contrary, Notts County have started the season with much optimism but fell straight on their arses. A rookie manager, no Kasper guarding their net, No payouts from Munto Finance and perhaps fear of a third defeat in a row to little ol Dagenham, we may not get many better chances for a League One away win, just a shame I won’t be there if it does happen.
In League One, Dagenham and Redbridge’s match with Exeter City was postponed due to Adam’s Stansfield death earlier this week. Colchester United started off their home campaign with a tough opener to Sheffield Wednesday who defeated The Daggers 2-0 last week. A fairly even match saw Colchester United take the lead with a spectacular effort from Andrew Bond who was plucked from non-league Barrow in the summer. However, Alan Irvine brought on Neil Mellor to form a three man attack alongside Clinton Morrison and Marcus Tudgay. This proved to be an astute substitution with Mellor scoring in the 82nd minute to muster a draw for the Owls.
Dropping down to League Two, Southend United played a hard fought game with Aldershot Town away at the Recreation Ground. With the game looking to be heading for a draw after few chances, Colchester United target Marvin Morgan scored in the 81st minute to give Southend United their first league defeat of the season.
The Non-League season kicked off today and for the Essex sides competing in Blue Square Conference South, it proved to be an exceptional start. Chelmsford City travelled to Hampshire side Basingstoke although arrived in less than fortunate circumstances after traffic congestion caused them to arrive late, thus the game being moved to a 3:15pm kick off. However despite the less than ideal preparation, the Clarets made a great start by going a goal up in the 17th minute by the impressive Matthew Lock after being set up by new signing Sam Higgins. Nevertheless, the adversity that had plagued their trip looked to have taken its toll. Two minute later, Basingstoke was awarded a penalty after a Marlon Patterson foul, which Rob Rice converted. But Chelmsford were able to settle and two substitutions by Pennyfather obstinately changed the game. Billy Bricknell replaced Higgins while John Martin came on for Stephen Reed. The two men immediately made an impact, a header by Bricknell rattled the post in the 66th minute, however the rebound was met by Martin to make it 2-1. Bricknell then netted a goal himself, his first since joining from Billericay after good work once again by Lock in midfield. A nervy finish resulted in Basingstoke pulling a goal back, however Chelmsford held on to win 3-2, a result Pennyfather will no doubt be delighted with.
Braintree Town also opened their account with an emphatic 3-0 win over Steve King’s Farnborough Town. Braintree Town have a made abundance of changes to the squad since Rod Stringer arrived, including losing star striker George Purcell to York City. Be that as it may, goals weren’t a problem at Cressing Road. The impressive Sam Lechmere was at the heart of everything Braintree were able to produce. A 5th minute corner from the winger was headed home by Bailey-Dennis. Braintree then extended their lead on the half an hour mark, Lechmere once again involved and unselfishly set up striker Sean Marks to score.Lechmere then capped off a fine performance by scoring low drive before the break to mark off a brilliant opening day win for the Irons.
Thurrock FC weren’t able to make it an Essex whitewash in the Conference South but made an impressive comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw at Ship Lane. After a dreary first half, St Albans took a quick fire 2-0 lead with goals from Drew Roberts and Inih Effiong in the space of three minutes. However Cliff Akurang who returned to the club after a venture in League football with Dagenham and Redbridge and Barnet showed his worth by scoring two goals, one of them a contentious penalty in the 73rd minute.
The Ryman League still doesn’t commence until next week. AFC Hornchurch take on Cray Wanderers at home, Billericay Town are also at home against Tonbridge Angels. Canvey Island have a tough away trip at Margate while Aveley go to Horsham. In the Ryman League North, Brentwood Town, Grays Athletic, Harlow Town, Heybridge Swifts, Tilbury, Maldon and Tiptree, AFC Sudbury, Romford, Redbridge and Ilford are all in action.
Four cherry beers later and we were half an hour away from the new season, time to get a taxi to Hillsborough something I’ll probably never say again.After watching a billowing of blue and white shirts rush past it, the whole grandeur of the event was beginning to sink in, Dagenham and Redbridge at Sheffield Wednesday. Owl’s fans will no doubt look down on our starred eyed confoundment with a hint of condescension, however this is as good as it gets for our club. I imagine Wednesday fans hold their memories of Old Trafford and Anfield clenched tightly to there chests as they find themselves in the same domestic league as ‘minnows’ such as ourselves, I can imagine myself in ten years time doing a similar thing, incessantly telling anyone who wants to know that we played infront of 23,000 people once our mercurial rise has ceased (I’ve articulately side stepped the option of mentioning non-league here!). So while Wednesday fans may be quite flattered that we view the trip to Hillsborough in such a perplexed way, it is a million galaxies away from going to Leigh RMI and losing 2-1 on the opening day of the season in 2003 infront of 400 fans, one of the first seasons I started to follow Daggers away.
I therefore tried to take a lot of it in, I got myself a programme which I don’t do very often these days, slotted my ticket stub neatly into my back pocket and gazed at the stadium in tranquil silence at how far our club had come. However, Giles Coke and Clinton Morrison soon enough smashed this dumbness into pieces within 14 minutes as they stormed into a two-goal lead. After a quite assured first five minutes it seemed like apprehension and nerves had overcome the players rather than Sheffield Wednesday endeavour with two sloppy and avoidable goals. However as the game went on, the further we settled to our new surroundings and started to gain a foot hold in the game. League One football obstinately was a breeze for Vincelot who was imposing himself upon with the game with spells of elegant passing and assurance needed after such a shaky start. We matched Wednesday for large periods of the game, although It did lamentably feel like Sheffield Wednesday had dropped a gear to shun any kind of a comeback which they managed very effectively, Purse and Beevers were exceptional at the back and didn’t give our attack much of a chance except for Gain’s fluky attempted cross which nearly deceived Weaver in goal.
The final whistle was blown and I think most fans walked away quite happy that we weren’t overawed by producing a bold, credible performance in the second half. Infact, I think many left quite optimistic for the Exeter game on Saturday. Par Huddersfield and Southampton, this was undoubtedly of our toughest games of the season and we came out of it with immense dignity.The daunting gap in the gulf of football was certainly bigger than the one onto the train at Dagenham East station, Tudgay and Teale in particular indicated this with some deft touches and moves. However, we didn’t go there with the “Park the Bus” mentality that many other teams employ away at ‘bigger’ teams, we didn’t lump the football upfield or show any indication that gamesmanship or brutality was going to be our avenue to survival this year. We went there; we tried to attack and marginally lost in what was arguably quite a close encounter for most of the game. The game turned sour in the second half mainly because Doe and Arber were able to stifle Morrison and Tudgay, probably two of the best strikers we will be coming up against this season (Lambert and Barnard will be left toothless upfront against us of course!).
After a couple more cherry beers at t’tap, we were back on the train to London and managed to blag first-class seats after they buggered up the seating reservation which resulted in a merry trip home accompanied kit-kats, wine and some of Mark and Spencer’s finest Belgium lager. After a few more beverages in Russell Square and a staggered walk to my house at 1 in the morning. I was home with a cup of tea still shouting a resounding no to my drunk self that we will not get relegated this year, Bring on the Grecians.
Oh and Man of the Match for us was Vincelot by far, I’m starting to like the French.
I'm happy with a point, although it's always disapointing to let go of a lead so late into the game. Pleased for Cousins in goal, didn't sound like he did too much wrong but he'll be disapointed to have to pick the ball out of the net twice.
Exeter are fast becoming our 'bogey' team so it's good to go there and come back with a point, it sounded like we had chances to win all three points mind you.
Camulodunum
Sheffield Wednesday 2 : 0 Dagenham & Redbridge
..On the train...
Southend United 1 : 1 Stockport County
A game which we should've won after sustained spells of pressure ended in relief to get a point after Blair Sturrock's last-gasp equaliser. Southend dominated for most of the match but lacked quality in the final third. Barry Corr does well as a targetman but he could've scored a hat-trick today and needs someone alongside him to play off him rather than playing on his own. Stockport threatened occasionally on the counter-attack, with Blues' goalkeeper Glen Morris impressing on his debut, and took the lead in controversial fashion. I'm not entirely sure what happened but I understand the linesman had his flag up for offside when George Donnely smashed the ball home. The goal infuriated the home side and manager Paul Sturrock was sent to the stands in his first competitive game. But it was the boss' son who saved the day in the 95th minute when he bundled home a Zaaboub corner.
Overall, a game lacking in quality, something Southend fans will have to get used to this season, but not lacking in talking points and not a bad peformance from our almost completely new team (only 2 of the starting XI played in the home game against Stockport at the end of last season). A mixed day for the Sturrock family. Billy Blenheim
After a summer of turmoil and drama behind the scenes at Roots Hall, Southend fans can finally look forward to the forthcoming football season after the club settled their debts with HMRC on Monday and escaped administration (for another year, at least). It means that the transfer embargo which has been on them for some time now should be lifted before the start of the season, allowing the 17 players who manager Paul Sturrock has signed on pre-contract agreements to officially register with the Football League and play Stockport County on Saturday, including today's 3 new signings - Chris Barker (1-month loan from Plymouth), Josh Simpson (6-month loan from Peterborough) and Adam Bouzid. The embargo hasn't officially been lifted yet, despite Ron Martin's assurance (another broken promise) that it would be sorted by yesterday, but I imagine it's just a case of paperwork and bureaucracy. Again it was Sainsburys who saved the day, underwriting Southend's debts for the next 12 months. I may tell my mum to start shopping at Sainsburys!
Looking ahead to Saturday's opening match with Stockport (and how nice it is to be talking about football not finance), it is hard to make predictions with Southend at the moment given that we have an almost completely new team who need to gel. But there is certainly a feeling of positivity around the place, helped by Tuesday's impressive 1-1 draw with West Ham United (albeit their reserve team). Defensively the team looks solid, with Tunisian centre-back Bilel Mohsni looking like a gem of a discovery from the French amateur leagues and new signing Luke Prosser impressing against the Hammers. The central midfield partnership of captain Craig Easton and Anthony Grant, now the longest-serving and arguably best player at the club, must be one of the strongest in the league. The side's weakness appears to be up front as we lack a proven, regular goalscorer. Blair Sturrock and Barry Corr are experienced at this level but have poor goalscoring records, whilst Harry Crawford, Matt Paterson and Scott Spencer are all young, unproven strikers but they should get a fair few goals between them. Contrary to recent seasons in which conceding goals has been the problem, this season may see a lot of low-scoring games. Stockport were the last visitors to Roots Hall for a league game, having also been relegated from League One, and like Southend they have substantial financial problems. The Shrimpers won 2-1 on that occasion and it should be a close game again. But whatever the result, we should just be thankful that we have a team to field. Ron Martin is far from a hero but at least the club is above water for another 12 months. Billy Blenheim
Yesterday Clive Platt joined former U’s manager Boothroyd at Coventry City. A move welcomed by many Colchester supporters. Platt was either ‘liked’ or ‘despised’ by U’s fans. Personally, I find it tough to abuse or talk negatively about any player. I understand when fans throw certain accusations at him from the stands... Lazy, weak and useless.
Platt signed for a record breaking £300,000 from the MK Dons. Platt was seen as the ideal replacement for Chris Iwelumo who left for Charlton in the summer of 2007. Platt got off to a great start to the league campaign by scoring a last minute equaliser against Sheffield United on the first game of the 07/08 season. He went on to score another 7 goals that season including an absolute screamer against that team where the people speak funny and it’s ok to have relations with your sister.
The departure of Platt for a ‘nominal fee’ to Coventry allows Colchester to move on, perhaps with a change of play. Ward has experimented with a 4-3-3 formation through this pre season, a role I don’t think Platt was suited to. I do, however believe Odejayi will suit the ‘big man’ in this particular formation due to the fact he’s more mobile than Platt was. Hopefully this will be the end of the ‘big man’ up front for Colchester.
Rumours circulating hint that the U’s are looking into replacements such as Shaun Harrad, from Burton Albion who scored 21 goals in 35 appearances last season.
I thought I better update you on the latest events at Southend United as there have been a further five signings since my last blog. Goalkeepers Glen Morris and Rhys Evans, right-back Sean Clohessy, centre-back Graham Coughlan and winger Louie Soares have all signed pre-contract agreements during the week, meaning that Paul Sturrock has now signed 12 players in the space of 7 days, which must be some sort of record. I've also never known us to sign so many trialists. Like five of the previous signings, Coughlan is a familiar face for Sturrock having played under him twice at Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth and the experienced centre-back will act as player-coach at Roots Hal, helping out with the reserve team and the defensive coaching. Clohessy, who came through the youth ranks at Arsenal, is well-known to assistant manager Tommy Widdrington having played under him at Salisbury, who Southend play in a friendly tonight.
After months of doom and gloom, players leaving, financial problems and nothing but bad news, things are starting to look up for Shrimpers fans. They have a well-known, experienced manager who is succeeding in persuading players to join the club. Sturrock is assembling a squad of his own and a squad that has a good mixture of experienced players who have done it at this level before (in some cases with Sturrock himself) and bright young players who want to prove a point and who want to play for a manager of Sturrock's calibre and wisdom. At Monday's match with Derby County, which ended in a 1-1 draw, the team showed impressive committment for a friendly match and it seems that they all want to play for Sturrock. That's not a dig at Steve Tilson at all but it did seem towards the end of last season that a number of the players didn't want to fight for the club anymore. As long as the transfer embargo is lifted at a court hearing on August 2nd, Southend fans can be confident that they have a team capable of challenging for promotion in League Two. A number of the new players, in particular Mohsni Bilel and Ryan Hall, impressed on Monday night and the team overall had a nice balance to it and played some good football against Championship opposition. We shouldn't get too carried away with positivity but after what we've been through, I think we can be forgiven for feeling a bit optimistic about the forthcoming season and a fresh start.
Colchester United kick off league 1 with a long trip to Exeter City. They’ll be hoping to avoid defeat especially in the same manner they lost last season. The 2-0 defeat at the beginning of April summed up the end of the season for Colchester United; a disappointing performance in a match where we really should have attacked from the off and walked away with 3 points and a clean sheet.
Forget that though, first game often means nothing in relation to the rest of the season, beating Norwich 7-1? Point proved.
Dagenham & Redbridge begin life in League 1 with a dream away fixture at relegated Sheffield Wednesday.With no pressure on Daggers at all, I fancy them to spring a surprise – even a draw would be a brilliant result. This will be a great day for all Daggers fans and staff.
Southend United and their new look squad welcome Stockport County to Roots Hall on the opening day. Both relegated from League 1 last season and suffering monetary problems must be looking to bounce straight back up. I hope so anyway, I miss the rivalry already!
Braintree Town commence their season with a home fixture against newly promoted Farnborough. Farnborough ran away with the ‘Zamaretto Premier League’ title last season, so they’ll be no push-overs. Braintree have replaced striker George Purcell with ex Colchester United youth team product, Jamie Guy. Guy seemed to lose his way at Colchester and went out on loan to several clubs, hopefully regular football and goals will help rekindle the potential U’s fans saw in him.
Chelmsford City The Clarets travel to Basingstoke Town on the 14th August, Chelmsford will be hoping to improve on their playoff disappointment last season and push for promotion to the Conference Premier.
AFC Hornchurch begin their campaign on the 21st August, against Cray Wanderers. Horchurch struggled against the Wanderers last season having been defeated twice and not managing to score in either fixture. AFC will want to end this run of poor form against Cray and start another season in the Ryman Premier well.
Billericay Town face Tonbridge Angels at home first game of the season. Tonbridge will feel like last season was an opportunity missed having missed out on the play-offs due to a poor run-in, picking up a mere 4 points from their last 5 games. The Blues strengthened their squad with the signing of widely experienced midfielder Micah Hyde and will hope to see what their current squad can achieve.
Canvey Island make the trip around the Thames estuary to visit Margate for their season opener. Finishing just 5 points above Margate last season, Canvey will be wanting to start well and grab what could be a crucial 3 points come the end of the season. Canvey will want to repeat last season’s good form against Margate last season which included a 2-1 away win.
Aveley FC travel to Horsham on the first day of the season on the back of a strong season in the Ryman Premier. Despite losing their manager and many players to Braintree Town, Aveley fans will see how this season unfolds under the guidance of Alan Kimble.
Well, a lot has happened at Southend United since my last blog. Steve Tilson has been placed on 'gardening leave' (effectively sacked), Paul Sturrock has replaced him as manager with Tommy Widdrington joining him from Salisbury as assistant manager. And with the new management team has come an almost absoloute turnaround in players. Since my last blog, both goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall and right-back Simon Francis have had their contracts cancelled, with Mildenhall opting to be 3rd-choice goalkeeper at Millwall. He and Adam Barrett have both surprisingly been signed up by Championship clubs. And following last night's 2-0 friendly defeat to Dartford, Sturrock revealed that Franck Moussa, Jean Francois Christophe, Stuart O'Keefe and Francis Laurent have all decided that they want to join the exodus. The reasons for this are unknown (presumably they like being paid on time) but it's certainly disappointing, particularly in the cases of Moussa and O'Keefe who were both products of the youth system and who would've done well in League Two. Christophe won't be missed after having a dire last season and Laurent is an exciting player on his day but unfortunately his off-days are more frequent than those days. But it must be stressed they've only said they want to leave. Whether they will leave is another matter. Except Moussa, I don't think any of them will attract much interest and nor are they particularly high-earners who the club would like to get off the wage bill, as was the case with the other departees.
This came on the same day that Sturrock secured five more players on pre-contract agreements, since the club is still under a transfer embargo. Mohsni Bilel, Sofienne Zaaboub, Craig Easton (who's been named captain), Ryan Hall and Blair Sturrock have all signed for the club and all featured in last night's friendly. They join Peter Gilbert and Barry Corr as new additions. Five of those seven have worked with Sturrock before and it seems that the Scotsman is adopting a policy of signing players he knows and trusts (and even his own family!), with a nice mix of youth and experience. Rhys Evans, another player who is familiar to the manager, played in goal for the 1st half last night and seems likely to join the club. Out of the players who featured at Dartford, only Anthony Grant and youngster Harry Crawford were here last season. Attending Monday night's friendly with Derby will be a case of working out who's who. It's a team of strangers who need to get used to each other quite quickly.
Yet strangely, I have an optimistic feeling about the whole situation. Now that we've paid off our debts (apparently), the transfer embargo should be lifted at a hearing on August 2nd (fingers crossed), all these players who Sturrock has arranged will officially sign and be able to play on the first day of the season and Southend will have a fresh, new team to take on League Two. This huge change might be uncomfortable for some fans but that's football - players come and go, managers come and go. It's only the fans who are constant.
3 or 4 years of ‘footballing boom’, appears to be over for Colchester United and its fans - this isn’t going to turn into a rant about how Cowling is ‘gutless’ for promoting former assistant manager John Ward to manager. Far from it. Personally I like to see everyone getting a chance to prove their worth. “I like to get Crosses into the box and create lots of chances…” John Ward.
Cowling received mixed opinions after naming Ward as his number 1 although, he was probably prepared for it. Since the club were promoted it seems as if there is a totally different expectation from the fans. I’m not one to say “I’ve been supporting The U’s since 1945 blah blah blah etc etc etc” There are a lot of very strong teams in League One next season (Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton and Huddersfield to name a few). I’m so disappointed to hear when fans instantly condemn decisions by the club.
Ward appointed fans favourite Joe Dunne as his assistant, a move nearly every fan is pleased with. Both Ward and Dunne have mentioned meetings with RC after Boothroyd left where they discussed in depth about what they feel they could achieve at the club.
“We managed to get across what we felt we could do get some continuity straight away.” Joe Dunne
Dunne also brings up a point that many Colchester fans have also brought up when venting their frustration at losing another manager. 3 managers in 4 years! I don’t think fans appreciate that fact that Dunne mentions, with each new manager comes new players, new staff and ultimately, the players which don’t fit it with the new manager’s plans are given the cold shoulder. This happened under both Lambert and Boothroyd. White, Jackson and Ifil under Lambert and Corcoran, Maybury and Lockwood under Aidy. This must have been a massive influence on Robbie when making his decision, Ward and Dunne both stressed their desire to keep the backroom staff the same along with offering every player a fresh start.
The season ahead isn’t a particularly exciting one for U’s fans. No stand out games like Leeds, Southend and Norwich but we look forward to the challenge of Dagenham and Redbridge.
“What a wonderful story for John Still and the Dagenham boys… For us to have a local derby twice, it’ll be good for them as well as ourselves.” John Ward.
For SOTD and I, this fixture will have a hell of a lot more riding on the result than most CUFC and D&RFC fans.
Transfer activity took it’s time to begin at the WHCS but at the beginning of the week, news came that both David Prutton and Phil Ifil had left the club. Quite happy as I think both players were on a considerable wage, Prutton for his experience and Ifil for his potential. News also broke that we’d signed 2 new players, Brian Wilson from Bristol City and Andrew Bond from non-league Barrow. Particularly please with both, compared to the previous seasons; no high profile signings and the eagerness of getting the friendly’s to see what they are like.
The shambolic soap opera at Southend United has taken a few more dramatic twists this week. On Tuesday it was revealed that chairman Ron Martin has been arrested for sexual assault, yes sexual assault (as if his financial problems aren't enough), against his house cleaner. I would like to stress that he has only been arrested, not charged, and that he has been released on bail until August. Martin denies the accusation and I personally doubt that there's any truth in it. Nevertheless, it is more damaging publicity for himself and the club. Martin released a statement explaining that he has been at home recently recovering from operations on both knees and that the supposed incident occured when the cleaner helped him up from a fall. Let's hope this matter is resolved swiftly and that he can get back to sorting out his football club.
Then this morning, it was announced that Adam Barrett and Alan McCormack, captain and vice-captain respectively of the team for the last two or three seasons, have had their contracts terminated due to a wage cap being imposed on the club and presumably, those two exceeding that cap. Neither player was brilliant last season (who was?) but they have both given good service to the club for a number of years and both are big characters in the dressing room who will be missed, particularly Barrett who has been at the club since 2004 and who I wrote about in my last blog. Regardless of quality, the team can't afford to being losing numbers at the moment. With our first friendly against Ipswich just two weeks away, we have 10 players under contract (2 of whom are on the transfer list) plus 2 players who haven't yet officially signed new contracts. It's also disappointing that we couldn't sell Barrett and McCormack and make some money from them. We really need to start acquiring players rather than losing them soon, otherwise there seems to a serious danger that we might not have a team next season. Oh and just to add another little ingredient to this royal mess, physio John Stannard, another member of staff who has given long and loyal service to the club, has been released and youth-team physio Ben Clarkson promoted to the first-team post. And you thought watching England was bad...
