PRE SEASON 1929-30
The players were back in training on Tuesday 6th August with Cricket matches being arranged as well as the usual two trial matches at the Kursaal.
'The management of the United have not been idle during the close season. Work has been going on constantly at the ground with a view to making spectators as comfortable as possible and to provide a playing pitch second to none in Division 3.
A great part of the field has been re-turfed and the remainder reconditioned. In spite of the lack of water, the pitch has recovered well and should be in excellent trim for the opening.
The stands have been renovated where necessary and the small enclosure in front of the pavilion has been improved considerably. The banking and the terracing have also received attention. In fact as much money as is economically possible has been spent on improvements.'
From the Southend Standard 8th August 1929
Southend had secured a full complement of twenty four professionals in preparation for the season, to be further supplemented by amateurs if necessary, and training was well under way as the following explains.
'Actual football plays only a small parting the training and perhaps it is a good thing. The ground at present is in beautiful condition despite the drought. It would be a pity to subject it to wear and tear before the season starts. It is smooth and well-prepared as the top of a billiard table and does not show any wear from last season.
Good sharp walks take place in the morning and sprinting in the afternoon, with drill ball punching and skipping in the gymnasium to follow. On Saturday morning however a short "kick-about" between two sides took place and those who were fortunate enough to be present had an excellent opportunity of forming an idea what sort of team Southend will be able to put into the field.'
From the Southend Standard 15th August 1929
Monday 19TH August 1929
The first Public Trial Match was played in front of crowd of about 3,000 who went home pleased in the knowledge that although the club had lost £800 they had still brought in some good new signings. However, by the end of the games they were no nearer any conclusion as the Probables (Blues) lost to the Possibles 2-3 (Stripes).
Saturday 24th August 1929
The second Public Trial match went a lot more to form and made the directors job of selecting the team a lot easier, the Probables scoring four goals in the first half and then added another in the second. A section of the crowd started to barrack Shankly after an early miss but he made amends later silencing his critics somewhat when he converted a penalty.