The final pre-season friendly for the Shrimpers sees the almost annual trip to the Brockwelll Stadium where Graham Coughlan will lead a Southend United X1 against Canvey Island FC who finished 6th in last season's Ryman League Premier, not bad.
The news that Kane Ferdinand should be taking some part will make it worth a look, but not from the kick-off, though certainly not Matt Paterson, at Gillingham, and possibily Harry Crawford, at Kettering (?), with the rest of the team made up of those who missed out on the goalless draw against Norwich City, so Daniel Bentley should start in goal for starters.
There might be a new signing or two to improve fitness levels, and, surprise, surprise, we've been told that striker Liam Dickinson has recovered from an ankle problem and will start, so we we're fed a line after all. Luggy loves a wind-up!
Lucky we didn't go for that 'Blues only have one striker for Hereford' headline, as he get's injued this afternoon!
Southend United: Bentley, Leonard, Nesbitt, Smith, Coughlan, Gilbert, Sawyer, N'Diaye, Dickinson, Asante, Woodyard.
Admission for the game will be £10.00 Adults, £5.00 Concessions*, and £1 U12's accompanied by a full paying adult. There is no charge to transfer to the seating area of the ground.
*Concession is classed as OAP, Students with a valid ID card, and children aged 12-16.
The nearest railway station is Benfleet railway station on the Fenchurch Street Line.
Sat Nav: SS8 7PX
Shrimpers player/coach Graham Coughlan, while hoping to see some game time himself, is more than happy to pass on his extensive knowledge and experience in the game on to the fringe members of what we now know is a very large squad, now minus one or two.
Coughlan told www.echo-news.co.uk: "We’ve all been pleased with how pre-season has gone and now we want to finish it off well. But those players who don’t make the starting line-up against Hereford shouldn’t be getting too downhearted because we have six games during August and I’m sure people will get a chance to impress at some point. However, everyone will want to start against Hereford for the first game and that means they will need to play well to get the nod from the manager.”
Blues fans have been encouraged to use the away bar before and after the game, though there is no segregation. The away bar can be located at the 'Sea Wall End' of the ground, and has a good selection of draught and bottled drinks.
There is free car parking at Park Lane, though this can fill up pretty quickly, so the club recommends parking in the numerous streets around the ground.
There is a disabled are of the ground, and disabled parking near the turnstiles.
Official site: www.canveyislandfc.com/home
Last game: www.canveyislandfc.com/reports/2011/07/canvey-island-6-1-bowers-pitsea
Matt with the Gills: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Harry with the Poppies?: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Maps
Shrimpers Pre-Season Schedule
Monday, July 11th - Dartford 0 Southend United 3