Both youngsters, Eastwood, 21, and Cole, 19, began their careers as scholars at West Ham United, although in the striker's case he was also one of Ricky Duncan's protégés in the youth team at Boots & Laces. They were then given an opportunity to impress with the then Ryman League Premier Division side, progressing into Conference South before linking up with the Shrimpers.
With the transfer fees rumoured to be worth £40,000 and £45,000 respectively, it would be no surprise if friendly fixtures such as this at the New Rec - just a building site when United last visited in 2004/5 pre-season - persist for a number of seasons. However, relations have soured recently between the two clubs as possible negotiations about another move for a Super Blues player, this time striker Dennis Oli, stall.
Whether Oli becomes the third, and so far missing, striker for the Shrimpers remains to be seen, but it will certainly be against the wishes of the Grays directors who believe that they have a side capable of competing strongly in the Nationwide Conference this term. He is likely to be withdrawn from the action in either scenario.
With this being a final run-out for the Seasiders - boss Tilson has hinted that he will arrange a special trialists friendly during next week - most of the first eleven for the Coca-Cola League One opener against Port Vale should be in action. Eastwood and Wayne Gray, the first choice, and at this moment only, forward line should be given the first half before the likes of Kesie Ibe earn another opportunity to impress.
In goal, after Bart Griemink was given ninety minutes against Maldon Town, Darryl Flahavan is almost certain to be awarded a similar length of time, with that and the fact that he will wear the number one jersey good indicators that the former Southampton trainee is in pole position to start the Vale clash between the sticks.
Adam Barrett, too, missed out at the Wallace Binder Ground in a turgid 2-0 victory, sealed by goals from Ibe and Mark Bentley. He will play a significant role, with the better players likely to be given the first half to gel as a team ready for the competitive action. As such, with Nikola Jozic seemingly unidentifiable in Germany, Spencer Prior could start his third successive fixture, whilst the battle between Lewis Hunt and Duncan Jupp is intriguing.
So too is the midfield tussle for position, with conceivably seven players fighting it out for four spaces. Bentley has continued his upward rise, and was one of the few to play well in midweek, whilst club captain Kevin Maher will almost certainly start the season. Luke Guttridge has been a stand-out talent in friendly football, and Cole completes the set with his trickery, which would not leave a spot for 2004/5 ever-present Carl Pettefer, 2003/4 Player of the Year Mark Gower or the returning Jay Smith, who may sit out this clash with a hamstring twinge.
And it is not just Cole, Eastwood and Oli that will meet old acquaintances. Grays manager Mark Stimson is a former team-mate of Tilson’s at Roots Hall, whilst former United battlers Jamie Stuart (via Hornchurch) and Stuart Thurgood – the skipper – have been augmented by the capture of former youth-teamer Michael Kightly in south Essex. We at TLG in particular wish him all the best.
Kick-off is at three o’clock, and admission is likely to be the standard £8 for adults and £5 for concessions.
Southend United squad (probable): Darryl Flahavan, Bart Griemink; Duncan Jupp, Adam Barrett, Spencer Prior, Che Wilson, Lewis Hunt, Andy Edwards, Mark Wright; Luke Guttridge, Mark Bentley, Kevin Maher, Mitchell Cole, Daniel Woodards, Brett Hand, Jay Smith, Mark Gower, Carl Pettefer; Freddy Eastwood, Wayne Gray, Kesie Ibe, Akwasi Edusei.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com