Sturrock: 'Last season we got to within a point of the play-offs at one stage'
Blues boss Paul Sturrock is not known for keeping his opinions to himself, he's Scottish don't you know, and on the eve of another season, his 19th in club management, Luggy is not holding back from telling the teams in League Two who is going to be around the promotion paces in nine months time.
Sturrock told www.echo-news.co.uk: 'Promotion is our aim but there are probably 14 or 15 teams who are thinking the same in League Two at this stage. It's hard to predict who's going to be up there but I think Crawley will challenge because of the money and the winning momentum they have from winning the Blue Square Premier last season. Rotherham, Shrewsbury and Port Vale will be up there and I think Oxford will be as well because they've made some good signings. Bristol Rovers have an excellent manager in Paul Buckle so I fancy them too but I'm only really concerned about us and I think we can do well."
And why is that Luggs?
Sturrock explained: "Last season we got to within a point of the play-offs at one stage but were then hit hard by injuries and suspensions. This year we've strengthened the squad though and when people do get injured we have someone just as good to slot in which makes us dangerous. It makes picking the team hard and there will be some disappointed players tomorrow but they will get their chance at some stage and it's up to them to take it."
Now who is going to argue with that?!
Maybe Saturday's opening day opponents, the Bulls of Hereford United!
So where do you think the Shrimpers finish this season? VOTE HERE: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk