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Six names had been added to the Shrimpers squad, all arriving on free transfers were Jason Harris (Hull City), Leon Cort (Millwall), Daniel Gay (Norwich City), Ben Smith, Gareth Risbridger (both Yeovil Town) whilst Chelsea's Stephen Broad joined Blues permantly following a loan spell towards the end of the previous campaign.
Southend's pre-season campaign began on Thursday, July 12th, a Mark Rawle double aswell as goals from Tesfaye Bramble and Kevin Maher sealed a comfortable 4-0 win over Ryman Preimer League side Hendon before Rawle scored the only goal in a hot-tempered encounter with fellow Ryman Premier side Grays Athletic two days later.
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Danny Kerrigan struck a later winner as United clinched a 2-1 victory at Bury Town's scenic Ram Meadow ground, Bramble notching the first. A couple of days later United took claim to being the first ever Football League side to visit Potters Bar Town's Parkfield Stadium, on a rain-soaked evening Daniel Webb plundered a hat-trick and Bramble smashed in another as the Shrimpers comfortably defeated the Spartan South Midlands League side who had produced a 100-page programme to commemorate the match.
A trip to Blues Cup-Giantkillers Kingstonian was next on the cards, United drawing 2-2 on a warm and sunny afternoon, United's second hald goals coming courtesy of Ben Smith and a Kevin Maher penalty. Two days later Webb secured a seventh summer signing, this time paying a fee, £36,000, for the services of Barnet striker Tony Richards. Richards played that evening in a match at Scraley Road against Heybridge Swifts, United clinching a 2-1 victory courtesy of second half strikes by Smith and Leon Hunter. Also in the Southend team that evening was trialist Dean Holness, better known by many as Campbell Hooper from Sky One football soap 'Dream Team'. Holness impressed Webb and was invited back to play a further role in United's build-up.
Roots Hall opened it's doors for the first time on July 25th as Premiership side Leicester City, managed by ex-Blues player and manager Peter Taylor, were the visitors. United gave a good account of themselves and despite going behind to a controversial Muzzy Izzet penalty, hit back through a spot kick of their own which Maher confidently planted beyond former United goalkeeper Simon Royce. City defender Gary Rowett nodded home a second half winner for the top-flight side in a match that saw Southend sport their brand new all-white away kit which was launched four days later, along with the new all-navy home version, at the successful 'Meet the Blues Day'.
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Tes Bramble found himself back on the scoresheet two day later as United played out a 1-1 draw with their near neighbours from Canvey Island, Steve Tilson equalised for The Gulls courtesy of a second half penalty. United made another short trip a further two days later as goals from Tony Richards and Daniel Webb saw off Billericay Town, 2-0, at New Lodge before Webb struck again in the home encounter with First Division Gillingham, Marlon King however managed to level for the visitors mid-way through the second half.
Stand-in skipper Martyn Booty smashed home a penalty to open United's account at Cambridge City before trialist Eddie Duah sealed victory twelve minutes from time.
The last weekend before the real action started saw David Webb take his side down to Huish Park, the home of his former Club Yeovil Town for a Sunday afternoon encounter. United put themselves in very confident mood for the season, Richards impressing more than most as he, along with Leon Johnson and Mark Rawle got on the scoresheet in what was a very encouraging victory against the side who finished runners-up in the Nationwide Conference. Sadly though, United were without regular goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan that afternoon, his brother, Portsmouth stopper Aaron having been tragically killed in an overnight car crash.
As goals from Leon Hunter, Daniel Lunan, Jason Harris, Mark Rawle and Danny Pitts brought a comprehensive 5-0 thrashing of Jewson Division One side Halstead Town, it seemed that United were fully prepared for the season ahead of them. They were to open with a home match against Darlington.
To Be Continued....
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com