Sturrock: 'I must apologise to all Southend United fans'

Last updated : 15 December 2011 By exiledessexboy

Sturrock: Tough games ahead

Sturrock: 'Every one of the players gave everything they had'
 
Who would be a manager?
 
We have already posted that Southend United boss Paul Sturrock will debate the future of defender Bilel Mohsni after his sending off in Tuesday evening's 1-0 FA Cup second round replay defeat at League One club Oldham Athletic.
 
To confirm, Sturrock told BBC Essex: "That's something I'll have to debate with the powers that be. At this minute in time I'm more happy because of my players who gave everything tonight."
 
At present the Shrimpers faithful seem split about the tempremental French Tunisian's future at Roots Hall, this was his second sending off of the season, on top of nine bookings, and comes on top of being disciplined in August for his part in the handbags incident after the Port Vale game that cost the club a fine from the FA at the time, before that there was the internal arguments reported with team members after the Borient Carling Cup defeat on penalties.
 
Let's face it, we've had the 'last chance saloon' speech before, something has to be done this time around, though I do believe it's best to have Bilel 'pissing in than out', so to speak.
 
All of this doesn't take away from what he did which disappointed manager and squad alike, it certainly raised the work load of those that will have played four times in thirteen days by the time Bradford City visit on Friday.
 
Sturrock said: "Going down to 10 men has turned the game totally on its head. I must apologise to all the Southend fans. The situation with Bilel has been ongoing for a long time now. I've tried to benefit the football club with his ability to the detriment of us going out of the Cup. I feel I've let everybody down. I know there's a footballer in there. But too many times he's gone to the well and let us down. And it costs us a lot of money."
 
Still, how well the ten and subs that stayed on the pitch performed last night, the better side against a nervous Latics before the 'incident', who knows what might have been.
 
Sturrock said: "I'm delighted. Every one of the players gave everything they had. When they went down to 10 men they worked their tails off as well. The first half of the game was us playing as well as we have been."
 
http://news.bbc.co.uk have been looking at the 'pros & cons of Bilel Mohsni' and this is what they came up with:
 
a) Bilel Mohsni, a free signing in the summer of 2010, has played in defence, midfield and up front for Southen
 
b) He has scored 10 goals in 37 league games and attracted attention with his all-action displays and determination to play with injurie
 
c) Three sending-offs and 18 yellow cards in 17 months, as well as reports of a bust-up at the club in August, have raised questions over his discipline
 
Echoman Chris Phillips has tweeted: 'Bilel Mohsni has NOT been released but his future is in doubt at the football club.'
 
His two match ban will see him not involved against Bradford City on Friday at Roots Hall, and Aldershot away on Boxing Day; it could be more if the club or the FA decide his actions over the season deserve a further punishment.
 
Interesting stuff; what do you think, discuss it here: http://boards.footymad.net
 
Have a vote on it: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
 
What the Latics fans are saying: www.owtb.co.uk
 
The S24 Report: http://www.southendunited-mad.co.uk 
 
The local view: www.oldhamathletic.co.uk 
 
Blimey, it's Fleetwood v Blackpool in the third round, now that's a local derby; scores, stats & match reports from the other replays Tuesday evening: http://news.bbc.co.uk 
 
S24 is looking to build up it's editorial team, why not join us at the Shrimpers fastest growing unofficial site with up to and over 2,000 hits a day currently this month?
 
If you have something to say on the present exciting times at Southend United or an idea for a new poll, then click on the link with your article or contact details and we will get in touch, just a few lines will do: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk