After the sacking of Wignall, just seven months and less than 25 matches after his appointment in April, David Webb, three times Blues manager, will take charge of the team as they make the 500-mile round trip into South Wales. Ironically it was in this very competition, in which Wignall played and managed sides in the final at Wembley, that the one home win in the last seven matches came, against Bristol Rovers 2-1 in extra time. Other than that, Blues had slumped to one of their worst ever runs at home, with four consecutive League reverses, including the 1-0 defeat against Northampton Town on Saturday that ultimately sealed his fate.
Ron Martin’s seemingly knee-jerk reaction to the current crisis was to dismiss Wignall, and now Southend embark on yet another new era, for the mean time under former hero Webb. No doubt he will be ably assisted by Steve Tilson in Wales, but few could envisage either of the pair taking on the role on a full-time basis, although it does seem likely, especially in Tilson’s case, that both will remain heavily involved in the running of Southend United as the club looks to steer clear of relegation to the Nationwide Conference for the first time in it’s history.
However, tonight is a welcome distraction from United’s troubles in the League as the LDV Vans Trophy takes centre-stage. With a huge F.A. Cup first round tie at Roots Hall on Sunday against Canvey Island, this evening’s encounter may see a number of fringe players enter the fray, with an opportunity to impress upon Webb and gain a starting berth in what may turn out to be the deciding game in the 2003/4 campaign.
Defensively Blues are right down to the bare bones. Darryl Flahavan is likely to retain his place ahead of Carl Emberson after making a superb triple-save in the first half against the Cobblers, albeit slightly at fault for the only goal of the game on the hour mark as well. But in front of the Southampton-born shotstopper, it is a real lottery as to who will be handed a place.
Duncan Jupp looks set to join Jamie Stuart and Mark Warren on the sidelines after continuing to struggle with a series of niggles that he has been carrying for the majority of the season. As a result, loan signing Lewis Hunt looks favourite to start in his favoured right-back position, with Dave McSweeney joining Leon Cort at the heart of the defence. Neil Jenkins is the only fit left-footed player, so his place at left-back seems assured. Che Wilson should once again be named on the substitutes bench, and he may be joined by either youth team captain Jamie Gray or Stuart Williams, who has already been involved in the squad this year.
In midfield, youngster Michael Kightly may be handed a start after his heroics in the last round of the competition, especially if Webb decides to rest Mark Gower or not to risk Jimmy Corbett, who made his long-awaited first start in a month on Saturday and looked lively. Captain Kevin Maher continues as he waits for his suspension to start having been red-carded at the weekend, and he should be joined by Jay Smith in the middle, with both Jamie Fullarton and Leke Odunsi out.
Up front, with Webb a great exponent of the 4-4-2 formation, both Leon Constantine, top-scorer with seven goals in 2003/4, and Tesfaye Bramble, whose goals against Hull City and Kidderminster Harriers were both away from home, look likely to start ahead of Drewe Broughton and Michael Husbands, who is also on the road to recovery. All in all, it will be a very difficult side to pick, with so many players carrying knocks ahead of Sunday’s extravaganza.
Swansea currently sit fifth in Division Three, some six points off of the top spot, occupied by Hull City. The Swans have injury problems of their own, with midfielder Roberto Martinez out after aggravating a knee injury in training last week, and Leon Hylton having to see a specialist over a troublesome ankle knock. Karl Connolly will miss out having only just had plaster removed, whilst top scorer Lee Trundle has only recently returned to training.
Southend United squad (probable): Darryl Flahavan, Carl Emberson, Lewis Hunt, Dave McSweeney, Leon Cort, Neil Jenkins, Stuart Williams, Che Wilson, Mark Gower, James Corbett, Michael Kightly, Kevin Maher, Jay Smith, Tesfaye Bramble, Michael Husbands, Leon Constantine, Drewe Broughton.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com