We have clearly been spoilt for choice as we continue our build up to Saturday's game against Southend United at Roots Hall, as we have managed to get the views of two Shrimpers fans ahead of the match. This time Colin Moore talks about his side, the forthcoming match and his expectations for the brand new season. Our thanks go to Colin for agreeing to take part in this feature.
Both clubs have had a summer of uncertainty, for those not following what has been going on at Southend, can you give us a brief summary?
I would honestly have to say I don’t know and with the exception of Ron Martin and his fellow directors I don’t think any of us are entirely sure what is going on. We appear to owe money left, right and centre and our saviour has been Sainsburys. The supermarket chain have bought the land at Roots Hall to build a new supermarket and will be assisting us with the development of our new home Fossetts Farm. All our debts appear to have been cleared and for the first time in months players and staff have been paid on time but we don’t know how, where the money has come from and just how long the current ability to pay bills will last!
As the close season progressed more players left and at one point it looked like Goals 5 a side league was a likelier destination for us than N Power League 2!
The major problem with the whole situation has been the deafening silence that followed each winding up order and a lack of information regarding our situation from the club hierarchy. This has led to lots of hearsay and rumours of which a lot make sense but we just want to know exactly what is happening and have some assurances regarding our future.
Long term manager Steve Tilson left in the summer after seven years at Roots Hall and is your most successful manager. What are your views on his departure? Are you happy with his replacement Paul Sturrock?
Like 99.9% of Southend fans I was devastated when I was told Tilly was on gardening leave but not wholly surprised. Tilly, like any manager, made mistakes. He made some errors in the transfer market and at times in games was reluctant to make substitutions when the game cried out for them BUT he was Southend United. He had the respect of players and fans. We got relegated last season but considering the resources he had and the impact of matters off the field had on the team he did a sterling job. He had got us out of League Two previously but as players left in the close season I believe his position became untenable. I sincerely hope Tilly gets another job in management soon and a break from Roots Hall will see us develop and he will return one day!
Whether the fans like it or not Tilly has left and now we have Paul Sturrock. For me, on paper, it's a decent appointment. He has experience of working with tight or nonexistent budgets. He is well respected in footballing circles and appears to have some good contacts so this should help when we are looking to attract decent players. He certainly as an uphill task with virtually a whole new squad and a limited pre season under their belts.
At the time of writing you currently have a transfer embargo imposed on you by the Football League, how has that affected the way that manager Paul Sturrock has gone about his job? Will you be able to put out a side on Saturday? Are there many changes to the side that will face us on Saturday compared to our last meeting in May?
The starting 11 is likely to field 9 or 10 brand new players. At the time of writing this there is still no confirmation that the embargo has been lifted or that the Football League giving us dispensation to register players therefore we would have 5 available which would not include a keeper! We have signed 14 players on pre contract agreements which is testament to Sturrock and his assistant Widdrington that we have been able to attract players to agree to play for us given our recent record of paying players on time and the uncertainty regarding our future. As per my earlier point the silence from the club is deafening!
Speaking of that game at the back end of last season, Southend took the honours in a 2-1 win after County had taken the lead in the second half. What did you make of both sides that day?
It was a typical end of season game with nothing for either team to play for except pride and trying their utmost to sign off to their fans with a win and provide some optimism for both clubs season in League Two.
I saw that you picked up a useful 1-1 draw in midweek against West Ham United in a pre-season friendly. How has your pre-season gone? Has it been a good work out ahead of life in npower League Two?
Pre season has been short. Due to our off the field issues and disappearance of players we had to cancel a few friendlies. The recent games have seen good draws against West Ham and Derby County a defeat and a win at Eastbourne. A record of 1 win, 4 draws and a solitary defeat in our opening friendly creates a little hope that we may be hard to beat!
What are your hopes and expectations for this season?
One word at this moment in time... SURVIVAL! Until we know more of the financial ins and outs and we see some stability in terms of paying players, staff and creditors we are always fearful of Administration and subsequent points deductions. With the new season so close all talk is about when will the embargo be lifted, will we avoid our next winding up order on the 14th and will the work start on the new ground.. usually 2 days prior to kick off we should be talking about our chance for the season and where we will finish in the table.
If we are sorted off the pitch and we don’t go into administration at some point during the season then I will be delighted with a play off place. I firmly believe that this is achievable and under the circumstances would be a fantastic season.
Who do you consider to be your danger man / men ahead of Saturday’s match?
To be totally honest I have not got a clue! With so many new players it is difficult merely from a shortened preseason campaign to know who is going to be our influential players over the course of the season. If Mossa or Grant play then they are both capable of scoring goals and if on top of their game they could boss the midfield.
What is your prediction for Saturday’s game?
I will go for a 2 - 1 win for us with Barry Conlon scoring for the Hatters on his return to Roots Hall. I think it will be a tight affair with both teams being keen to get off to a good start in League Two.
Which game are you looking forward to the most this coming season? I guess the closest thing to a derby match this season are the games against Gillingham?
If you speak to most Southend fans it would be Gillingham bit for me it has to be the trips to Edgeley Park and Gigg Lane! Edgeley Park being a 20 minute trip on the number 11!
Are there any recommendations for pubs for visiting County fans?
A lot of pubs no longer allow away fans. I believe the Golden Lion, which is right by the ground is one of the few that still allows visiting supporters.
You have plans in place for a new stadium, how far along are these? What are your views on leaving Roots Hall?
The new plans are already delayed and at the moment is a matter of I believe it when I see it! When the hoardings go up or we see some movement I will believe it is going to happen. Whilst I am sad that we will have to leave Roots Hall and my memories of Friday nights stood in the North Bank I am realistic and understand that the new stadium will support the sustainability of the club in the future and in our current situation you begin to realise just how important that really is!