Sturrock: 'We need to remember that Dundee start their league season next Saturday'
Blues boss Paul Sturrock believes Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Dundee was a wake up call for his squad, after a couple of easy victories against non-league opposition.
Sturrock told www.southendunited.co.uk: “This was our first serious game of pre-season and I think it will serve a very worthwhile purpose. We need to remember that Dundee start their league season next Saturday and we start in three weeks time but I think this will act as a wake up call for many of the players. We still have plenty of work to do but nobody is going to be judged by this defeat. People will be judged further down the line when we get to playing Canvey and Norwich City but I’d be concerned if we were flying in the games we have at the moment. It’s all about making sure we’re in the best shape possible for the start of the season and that’s something we will continue to work on.”
So the Shrimpers will now face Raith Rovers in a third/fourth pay-off game in the four team tournament as Dundee play hosts East Fife in the final.
A chance for Luggy to make several changes to his starting line-up.
Sturrock confirmed: “All those who weren’t involved today will play tomorrow. That includes Rohan Ricketts so we can have another look at him.”
Shrimpers Pre-Season Schedule
Monday, July 11th - Dartford 0 Southend United 3
Tuesday, July 12th - Great Wakering Rovers 0 Southend United 5
Saturday, July 16th - Dundee 2 Southend United 0
Sunday, July 17th - Raith Rovers (at East Fife), 13.00.
Wednesday, July 20th - Braintree Town (Away), 19.45. (SUFC X1)
Friday, July 22nd - IPSWICH TOWN (HOME), 19.45.
Thursday, July, 28th - NORWICH CITY (HOME), 19.45
Saturday, July 30th - Canvey Island (away), 15.00. (SUFC X1)