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New Boys' Marks Out Of Ten

Last updated : 17 July 2005 By Matt Donohue

LM Mitchel Cole | Minutes on Pitch: 45 | Goals Scored: 0 | Rating: 7.5

After signing his Southend contract in the midweek Cole, who is going out with Joe Cole’s sister, made his Southend United debut in the second half of the match. Coming onto the field with former West Ham and Grays team-mate Freddy Eastwood, Cole did not make an impact as large as Eastwood did on his debut. Despite this Cole made a great effort and should probably been awarded a penalty when he was pulled back by Jude Sterling. The ‘pre-season’ element of the game meant that the referee chose to ignore the appeals for a spotkick. Cole may have had a better game if the New Lodge slope that meant the football spent much of the time on the right hand side.

Cole had a positive impact on the game and at 19 is an exciting talent that we will hopefully see develop at Roots Hall. Folks, watch this space!

CF Kevin Gray | Minutes on Pitch: 69 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 1 | Rating: 2.5

The worse player to pull on a Southend shirt?
Kevin Gray walks off a pitch wearing a Southend shirt for the last time (I hope!)
Imagine all the negative points of Tes Bramble, Drewe Broughton and Graham Jones rolled into one striker. Kevin Gray will probably be the result as he adopts the brain of Bramble, the speed of Drewe and the football skills of Graham Jones. The cousin of current striker Wayne Gray started the game up front with his relative. However as the match progressed it was clear that he did not have anywhere near the ability of Gray(W). Gray, who had been playing his football in America, had a build more accustomed to the American Football rather than to ‘Soccer.’

Despite being well off the pace credit should go where credit is due as Gray did manage to send the ball across the goal for Michael Phillips to send into the back of his own net. However in true comedy fashion Gray managed to fall over as he went to congratulate Eastwood who had forced Phillips to.

Gray’s last real action of the half was his ability to beat the offside trap by a good three or four yards but only for his lack of pace to be found out as a set of part time defenders caught up with him.

‘Kevin Gray the next Pele,’ I think not; In fact that is the last time I feel it could be the last time that he wears a Southend shirt.

CB Nicola Jozic | Minutes on Pitch: 45 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7.5

One of the better trialists that has found their way to Roots Hall and I would feel very confident with Jozic at the back in any League One match. He played well along side captain, Adam Barrett and also looked a dangerous threat when attacking set pieces; At 6’5’’ what do you expect? Jozic looked very composed with the ball and solid without it. The German born defender has certainly done the right things to try and get a contract.

LM James Lawson | Minutes on Pitch: 45 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7

Lawson and Stannard
Physio Stannard checks Lawson's fitness
Although not technically a new boy, Lawson, who has barely featured in the first team done very well against a very physical Chelmsford side. Lawson twisted and turned in the first half as he tried to beat the Clarets’ right back, Sam Kola-Okiolu. Kola did managed to crock Lawson at one point as he went in with a ridiculous challenge on the Southend youngster. Lawson will feature on a few more occasions in pre-season although he will struggle to make a breakthrough in the competitive season.

CM/RM Jay Smith | Minutes on Pitch: 69 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 8

Although there is no officially given prize Smith would probably be awarded with my Man of the Match award as he was consistent throughout the game. Another player who is not technically a new boy but the phrase ‘It’s like having a new player’ rears it’s head and therefore it is only fair that Smithy gets a small write up.

Smith was clever throughout the game and produced some quick thinking play in the first half. The former Aston Villa man was sharp at his feet and in the first half was Maher-esque as all the play went through him. Smith also had a few long range shots including one great save from City stopper Keita Karamoko. Smith moved to right midfield in the second half and proved that if called upon he could play out wide. He, like many others, will be battling for a midfield place come August 6th.

LB Mark Wright | Minutes on Pitch: 45 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

The former Tottenham trainee was quiet as a mouse as he done very little the entire second half he played. Wright rarely ventured beyond the half way line and although he will play some more pre-season games I don’t expect him to be signed.