Pre-Season Campaign Starts To Take Shape

Last updated : 08 May 2003 By Robert Craven
Tes Bramble may come up against some old friends
Having already lined up fixtures against local rivals Colchester United (confirmed to be taking place on Saturday August 2nd; one week before the new season starts), Gillingham and Canvey Island before the beginning of yet another Third Division campaign, Ipswich Town boss Joe Royle today confirmed on the Tractor Boys website (www.itfc.co.uk) that the former Premiership side would be visiting Roots Hall in the summer, the date being July 15th.

The Shrimpers last faced Town at Roots Hall in their last season in the First Division as Ipswich escaped with a 0-0 draw in front of over seven thousand people in south-east Essex. The corresponding fixture at Portman Road finished with Blues drawing 1-1, an Andy Rammell strike on the hour cancelling out Micky Stockwell's eighth minute finish.

The Suffolk club have close connections to United, since they onec had on their books Tesfaye Bramble, although he was released to Cambridge City in favour of current Newcastle United defender and Tes' brother Titus.

Full Home Pre-Season Schedule

Tuesday 15th July: Ipswich Town
Tuesday 22nd July: Gillingham
Saturday 26th July: Canvey Island
Saturday 2nd August: Colchester United 

Meanwhile, following the news last week that Tom Jordan's month-to-month contract would not be renewed, midfielder Gavin Strachan was told by new manager Steve Wignall that he was surplus to Shrimpers requirements. The former Coventry City and Scotland Under-21 talent is expected to undertake a trial with Second Division Sheffield Wednesday in the coming days and weeks to assertain if he could link up with the Hillsborough side. Strachan started six matches for Southend after signing on transfer deadline day.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com