Southend United vs Hull City - The Little Gazette preview

Last updated : 22 January 2002 By

Mark Rawle - to start on the left wing?
Player/Manager Rob Newman will again stick to his policy of naming the side just before the kick-off for Tuesday Nights game at Roots Hall against promotion chasing Hull City. Newman has named an Nineteen man squad.

Blues squad: Darryl Flahavan, Daniel Gay, Stephen Broad, Dave McSweeney, Damon Searle, Danny Kerrigan, Leon Cort, Phil Whelan, Rob Newman, Steven Clark, Leon Johnson, Stuart Thurgood, Carl Hutchings, Scott Forbes, Barrington Belgrave, Tes Bramble, Mark Rawle, Marek Szmid and Tony Richards.

It is expected that Rob Newman will finally abandon his five man defence which again failed to work at Darlington on Saturday and revert to the 4-4-2 system that the players look more comfortable with. Kevin Maher sits out the game after picking up a one-match suspension after collecting five yellow cards, Stuart Thurgood who missed out on Saturday when Newman selected himself, is expected to take Maher’s place in

Leon Johnson - on the bench again?
the centre of midfield despite Leon Johnson being desperate for another chance in the middle.

Johnson should be on the bench again alongside the out of favour Scott Forbes, Forbes has proved his fitness in the reserves but it is expected that Mark Rawle who came on at half-time at Feethams in place of Newman will start on the left wing.

Steven Clark who’s loan period from West Ham United expires after tonight’s home match with the Tigers definitely starts alongside Carl Hutchings in the four man midfield.

Scott Forbes - out of favour?
Upfront it is expected that Saturday’s goal hero Barrington Belgrave will partner ten goal leading goal scorer Tes Bramble while the defence will be the usual five of Darryl Flahavan, Stephen Broad, Damon Searle, Leon Cort and Skipper Phil Whelan.

Marek Szmid who scored a super goal for the reserves in their 3-2 win at Peterborough United will be hoping for a place on the bench alongside Johnson, Daniel Gay and Forbes with Tony Richards favourite for substitute place.

All the Hull City team news can be found on www.hullcity-mad.co.uk

Steve Connolly
www.thelittlegazette.com