We continue our build up to Saturday's game against Southend United at Roots Hall by speaking to Shrimpers fan Ed Murray about his side, the forthcoming match and his expectations for the brand new season. Our thanks go to Ed 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?

Before the summer break, we was in trouble with the HMRC already, and this case kept on coming back at us with administration all over the summer, we have now paid it all off. But the only reason we could do this is because Sainsburys supermarket wants to buy Roots Hall, so they gave us the money to pay our tax.

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?

At the end of last season I did think that we needed a change, Tilson always had the same tactics, and it just wasn't working. I'm happy with Sturrock, he has put a club together from scratch in 3 weeks. I also think that the players he signed have showed their commitment to Southend as they are joining a club where they may not even get paid.

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?

Ron Martin (our chairman) told the Echo and the official website that our transfer embargo should be terminated 24 hours after the court case. Obviously us the fans don't know if it has, because our clubs communication to fans is so bad! But I'm pretty confident that we will field a strong team against Stockport on Saturday

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?

I thought that match was very boring, nothing to play for, and all of our players wanting to leave. I didn't think they would have all left, like they have done.

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?

Our pre-seasons have gone very quickly as we have a new team, so we have to change things quickly, but from what I've seen we are very strong, and a threat to npower League Two

What are your hopes and expectations for this season?

This season staying up would be a miracle after this summer, but I hope our team can grab promotion.

Who do you consider to be your danger man / men ahead of Saturday’s match?

Craig Easton would be our danger man for this match, he can pass, tackle, and is very strong while in possession of the ball.

What is your prediction for Saturday’s game?

3-0 to Southend

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?

I think Gillingham at home will be a very close game, so I'm looking forward to that.

Are there any recommendations for pubs for visiting County fans?

I don't go into pubs, but there should be one down Victoria Avenue.

You have plans in place for a new stadium, how far along are these? What are your views on leaving Roots Hall?

I would love to leave Roots Hall, its old, loads of poles ruin the view, and our new stadium looks really nice!

Photo: Action Images

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