My thoughts on the defence and midfield have been placed on hold as has the Preview for Saturday's game. It's been one hell of an evening.
First Grant eventually signs, then it was Palace, whoops wrong club south of the river, then Charlton after Bailey, then we got the shock news of Betsy from Bristol. Buggured up my taped viewing of the Tudors.
The German is also getting a touch pissed off and the season hasn't even started yet! The offer of two days in Scunthorpe in late October has sadly not won her over yet.
So to get something out before midnight while it's still officially two days, and Uncle Ron has come to the rescue. Looking coolness personified, or shifty as one mate texted, he at last spoke to the supporters in a manner TLG have been whinging on about for a couple of weeks now. We could have done with it earlier but we'll pleased it's here, and not bad it was too.
It should be entering mail boxes as I write but you can read it in it's full glory on www.southendunited.co.uk
Selected highlights:
The Fans
The disappointment of
Mark Gower
Indeed just when we believed terms were agreed with the agent, Mark said to
I cannot blame Mark for joining
I feel Mark is a loss but we will not break our wage structure to meet players or indeed their agent's demands. To do so would be the road to ruin and when your club is so positively poised it would be foolish to now rock the boat.
Little Darryl
Some might say that "losing" Darryl Flahavan was a mistake but I agree with the Manager's decision - for whilst Flavs was a great shot stopper his lack of height was an impediment to commanding his area - which itself also puts pressure on the defence.
I do not know whether Darryl will be happy as a substitute goal keeper but nevertheless he was a great servant of SUFC and I again wish him all the best at
Ex-Captain Kev
We should also not forget Kevin Maher's fabulous contribution over the years. We will of course meet Kevin again at Oldham Athletic! (Testimonial Ron?)
The Lack of Early Signings
With so many departures I can understand supporter's nervousness at the apparent lack of players with just two days before we start the campaign.
The fact is that
I would rather have an enthusiastic player committed to the Club - and perhaps of a little less quality - than a "better footballer" who was just here to pick up the wages.
We have in the past had one or two of those but now - whilst the squad maybe small -it is nevertheless a dedicated group of quality individuals. That said Steve is very conscious reinforcements are still required, to improve depth, and as always he will continue to have my full backing to make those signings.
Tomorrow we hope to sign a left back and are also in serious discussions to bring in another centre half. (Oh no, another day of staring at the mobile!)
Agents (I think it's fair to say Ron doesn't have a high opinion of agents)
It is a fickle business with agents often meddling and not helping anyone's cause! (His underlining!)
Youth
Steve's aim at the end of last season was to have circa 18 players supported by our younger home grown - for if we are serious about building a sustainable infrastructure we must integrate our youth. We will continue to monitor the position enlisting more players as necessary when the right individuals are found. Often August throws up one or two surprises!
Fossetts Farm
Whilst we have had to wait longer than we would have wished, providing we can get on site by the year end we can still be playing football in the new stadium in time for the commencement of the 2010 season. The Stadium project is complex, and made all the more challenging by the current climate - but one with which I am fully focused and enjoying.
The Future
It is really important we maintain the upward spiral on and off the pitch and a return to the Championship is vital. As each year ticks by the financial gap between League 1 widens with Championship Clubs receiving, on average, £1.7m from TV Rights and Solidarity payments alone more than us. Quite apart from the increased commercial/marketing monies - all of which magnifies the fierce competition for players. I am determined your Club will not be left behind whilst of course continuing to exercise prudent management.
I started this note by praising you - our supporters - for the brilliant vocal endorsement of the Club at
Good Stuff Ron. Nothing mega new, another centre half was interesting, but good to hear all the same.
It's all we've been asking for. Here at TLG we just wanted to know someone out there cares, and as far as we are concerned the matter is closed.
The focus for the next 24 hours is one thing and one thing only, the opening League One fixture of the 2008/09 season against Peterborough and how we are going to get three points.
COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!