Widdrington: 'Not too high with the highs or low with the lows'
There's a slight, just a slight, feeling of optimism amongst the Blues faithful, let's face it after the last year it doesn't take much, as a decent second half against Derby in a friendly and the signing on pre-contract agreements of what seems every player that's a free agent out there, or at least been in a Paul Sturrock side, does seem to have produced a half decent side that can compete in League Two.
Assistant manager Tommy Widdrington though is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
Tommy told www.southendunited.co.uk: "I wasn't deflated after the game against Dartford and I wasn't too euphoric after the match with Derby. That has to be the way we are as a staff throughout the season. Not too high with the highs or low with the lows. What is encouraging was that after eight or nine days we already have installed a good work ethic as a team. That was very promising and the characters we are bringing in will stand us in good stead this season."
Widdrington will of course be making his first return to Salisbury for the Shrimpers third pre-season friendly since he left the club to join new manager Paul Sturrock's Roots Hall revolution.
Tommy continued: "It will be nice to go back as I didn't really get a chance to opportunity to say my goodbyes in person. I had a great time their and whilst there were problems on the football field that were unprecedented, I am really proud of what I acheived there. It will be strange going into the away dressing room and sitting in the other dugout but I'm at Southend United now and I will be looking to put one over on my mates."
Unprecedented! Welcome to Ron's world Tommy.
Then again, even the Shrimpers chairman hasn't relegated us down two divisions; yet!
Left back Peter Gilbert, winger Sofiene Zaaboub and striker Blair Sturrock will not be making the trip to Wiltshire on Friday.
Paul Sturrock told www.southendunited.co.uk: "Peter has injured his ankle and has a tight thigh, Zaaboub is carrying a groin strain and Blair has a thigh problem. They won't play on Friday night and it might be a case of having the opportunity to look at a few more trailists."
And, as we now know, centre back Mark Phillips will get some game time tonight.
The Widdrington Files
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Thomas Widdrington | ||
| Date of birth | 1 October 1971 (1971-10-01) | ||
| Place of birth | Newcastle upon Tyne, England | ||
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Southend United (assistant-manager) | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1987-1990 | Southampton | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1990-1996 | Southampton | 75 | (3) |
| 1991 | → Wigan Athletic (loan) | 6 | (0) |
| 1996-1999 | Grimsby Town | 89 | (8) |
| 1999-2001 | Port Vale | 82 | (8) |
| 2001-2003 | Hartlepool United | 56 | (5) |
| 2003-2005 | Macclesfield Town | 58 | (0) |
| 2005 | Port Vale | 6 | (0) |
| 2005-2010 | Salisbury City | 46 | (2) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 2010 | Southend United (assistant-manager) | ||
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). | |||
(Assistant Manager information supplied by Wikipedia, for the full article go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Widdrington)