The Little Gazette Review of 2001 January - March

January began with a superb 2-0 victory over Division Three leaders Brighton & Hove Albion at Withdean Stadium. The match was given the go ahead after two inspections had declared the pitch fit, despite their being puddles of water down one side. The following Saturday Blues were in FA Cup action when they entertained Conference side Kingstonian in round three. However, after Blues terrific win at Brighton they were firmly brought back down to earth when an Eddie Akomouh eighth minute strike giving the Conference side victory. David Webb, who had been having a clearout of the 'highly paid players' to reduce the wage bill placed top score Martin Carruthers on the transfer list after an approach from Colchester United. Blues then put their FA Cup defeat behind them with a 3-1 win over Cambridge United in the Area Quarter Finals of the LDV Vans Trophy. Cardiff's injury time own goal saw the spoils shared at Roots Hall one apiece. Meanwhile off the pitch Blues defender Leo Roget is arrested for an alleged ABH offence in 'Storm' nightclub. Tesfaye Bramble joins Southend United from Southern League Cambridge City while Dave Morley leaves Southend for a month's loan to Carlisle United. Blues away form continues to blossom as they defeat fellow promotion rivals Leyton Orient 2-0 at Brisbane Road. However, Blues still continue to struggle in front of their home fans as a 0-0 draw with Shrewsbury followed. Former Tottenham Hotspur trainee Stuart Thurgood, who had been plying his trade in Japan, joined Blues from Shimizu-S-Pulse while Michael Black is released from his contract at Tranmere Rovers enabling him to join Blues after an initial loan period.

February begins with Blues first home win of the year a 1-0 victory over Lincoln City. The match at Plymouth Argyle is postponed at midday much to the frustration of the travelling Blues supporters. A Leo Roget 'Golden Goal' v Swindon Town sees Blues into the Area Final of the LDV Vans trophy. Despite the good cup run Blues league form slumps as they suffer defeats at home to Halifax (0-3), away to Kidderminster (1-2) and draw 1-1 away at Scunthorpe to leave Blues in 9th place at the end of February.

March sees Blues get back to winning ways with a 3-0 home victory over Rochdale but then lose disappointingly 1-0 at York with Mark Rawle being sent off for two yellow cards. Blackpool, probably the best team to visit Roots Hall during the season, stormed to a comfortable 3-0 win and then Brentford win 2-1 at Roots Hall in the first leg of the LDV Vans Trophy Area Final. The Police clear Leo Roget over his alleged attack on a girl in a Southend nightclub. David Webb signs 20-year-old defender Stephen Broad from Chelsea on loan until the end of the season and Mark Rawle joins from Boston for £60,000 while Martin Carruthers joins Scunthorpe United for £20,000. Despite a tremendous effort from Blues throwing everything at Brentford they miss out on a trip to the Millennium Stadium going down 2-1 in the second leg of the LDV Vans Trophy and losing 4-2 on aggregate. Transfer deadline day sees David Webb attempt to bring former West Ham United striker Tony Cottee and Yeovil's Barrington Belgrave to Roots Hall but without success. However, Leo Roget leaves Roots Hall for First Division Stockport County.