Southend United v Tottenham Hotspur - Preview

Jeff Minton is looking for a contract with United.

Although the match has been touted as being against a 'Tottenham Hotspur XI' it seems that the north Londoners may bring down a slightly stronger side than expected, but whatever line-up Hoddle puts out, Newman has promised a full-strength Shrimpers side as he looks to fine tune what is likely to be his starting line-up for the big kick-off at Hull City in eleven days time.

Graeme Jones goes straight into the starting line-up, whilst United will see yet another new face in their side; influential midfielder Jeff Minton, most recently with Rotherham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leyton Orient - but has also turned out for Colchester United, Watford and Port Vale - has joined the Shrimpers on trial and should play some part in proceedings tonight.

The quartet of trialists is completed by Aston Villa duo John McGath - despite limping off against Charlton on Saturday with a blistered foot - and Jay Smith whilst Neil Jenkins will be given yet another chance to impress.

On the injury front however, striker Tony Richards, defender Stephen Broad still miss out as does young winger Danny Maye.

SOUTHEND (from):- Darryl Flahavan, Daniel Gay, Mark Beard, Damon Searle, Neil Jenkins, David McSweeney, Leon Cort, Phil Whelan, Daniel Lunan, Stuart Thurgood, Kevin Maher, Ian Selley, Jeff Minton, John McGrath, Jay Smith, Barrington Belgrave, Mark Rawle, Graeme Jones, Tesfaye Bramble, Daniel Webb.

TOTTENHAM (from):- Gavin Kelly, Shwan Jalal, Rob Burch, Mark Hughes, Paul O'Donoghue, David Galbraith, Dean Marney, Walter Thomas, Danny Foster, Marcel McKie, George Snee, John Sutton, Jonathan Black, Nicky Wettner, Mario Noto, Mark Yeats, Jamie Slabber, Steven Ferguson, Rohan Ricketts, Joh Piercy, Johnnie Jackson.

Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com