'We need to maintain our hunger and desire to succeed especially when we go to Crewe at the weekend' says three goals in a row Neil Harris, and he's not wrong. All you need to know for Railwaymen v Shrimpers on Saturday, October 8th; kick-off 15.00.
v 
SHRIMPERS
'We are top of the league', has a nice ring about it, now to stay there, for a while at least, until next May would be nice.
Maybe that's not on, but the Shrimpers faithful will be hoping for three points against Crewe on Saturday, and I can't see why not.
It's been written elsewhere that we've not been playing as well as our results suggest and I'm with them as it happens, but confidence is high and Harris and Dickinson are strikers in form and every top side needs that.
To bring back Ryan or Bilel, it's last week all over again except I'm guessing Anthony Grant is out injured with the foot injury picked up at the Daggers, and, you know, I'd start with the same eleven that saw off Rotherham and Shrewsbury.
Hall was imense on Tuesday and remains a major talent but Ryan Leonard has done no wrong and deserves to carry on, for now, especially away. Those long throws are causing serious damage.
What a subs bench though if thing start to go pear-shaped, which I would be surprised to see.
Last time I was at Crewe we won 4-3 back in 2008, I would hope our defense has improved since then, while the Alex are certainly not the side they were last season when they finished 10th; 2-0 Blues.
Possible Southend United: Morris, Clohessy, Barker, Phillips, Gilbert, Kalala, Leonard, Ferdinand, Timlin, Harris, Dickinson.
Subs: Bentley, Prosser (Grant if fit), Mohsni, Hall, Sturrock.
COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!
A fiver for the Shrimps, fair for all; have a vote: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
OPPOSITION
The Railwaymen's veteran boss Dario Gradi, 70 years young and still one of the best in the business after 28 years at Gresty Road, made some changes to his JPT team on Wenesday but may keep to a similar starting line-up after suffering a late 2-1 defeat to a poor Dagenham & Redbridge last weekend. They won in midweek!
The odd player was moved around though and would expect to return to their natural positions, while top scorer Shaun Miller should definitly be back, along with defender Shaun Miller.
Lee Bell (calf), Dave Artell (hamstring) and Danny Shelley (ankle) were not risked as they continue their recovery from their respective injuries, while striker Nick Powell played even though he was a doubt due to a back problem.
Our friends at www.maxihobbs.com said before the campaign started:
Recap of last season
Same old Crewe, from the sublime to the ridiculous! One week can see the Alex turn it on with an 8-1 home win, or their involvement in that memorable 5-5 draw at Chesterfield where they led 4-1! However, they can be equally abject, as last season proved. 10th place was probably about right for Gradi’s men who will be looking to push one step further this season.
Personnel in
Alan Martin (Unattached)
Personnel Out
After 67 appearances and 21 goals for the Alex Calvin Zola is now a Burton Albion player, another striker Joel Grant has been released.
Danny Blanchett (released), Patrick Ada (released), Mat Mitchel-King (released), Ashley M Westwood (released), Bartek Fogler (released), Lewis Short (released), Clayton Donaldson (Brentford, free)
Strengths
Without a doubt Crewe's home form kept them going last season. Only 4 teams came away from Gresty Road with a 3 point haul and this can build a foundation for a play-off push. Crewe are also well known for the pass and move game, always keeping it on the floor and their discipline means they rarely struggle with suspensions throughout the season. If they can replace Donaldson's goals through the likes of Shaun Miller, Crewe will prove a match for most in the league on their day.
Weaknesses
Although this can be seen as a positive or a negative Crewe are the football leagues “nice guysâ€. Just 36 yellow cards and the fewest fouls in the Football League compliments their passing game well. However although this can prove effective and deadly on some occasions on others, namely against the more physical sides it can backfire, and in League 2 there are far more physical games than footballing ones, with more poorer pitches than not. This may prove they are maybe lacking that “nitty gritty†midfielder and defender who can help Crewe grind out a result. Crewe were also dire away from home last season and this will also need to be addressed if they are to even think about a top 7 spot.
Key Man
Shaun Miller: With Donaldson now an ever fading memory, his partner in crime Shaun Miller has the job of being Crewe’s number 1 hitman. Despite playing 2nd fiddle to Donaldson, MIller had a good season at Gresty Road scoring 18 goals and should remain ever present this season for the Alex.
One to Watch
Jordan Connerton: Another striker, however Connerton is completely unproven at this level and is some what of a gamble to pick. His non league record speaks for itself. Crewe swooped to sign their man from Lancaster when he banged in 29 goals in a season, since then he has made one appearance at Crewe. However his loan spell at Nantwich also proved fruitful with 9 goals in 11 games, is this the season he makes the grade?
Outlook
Crewe have a tendency of being one of the most unpredictable teams in England, their style of football which never seems to change under Gradi means with Crewe expect the unexpected. Win one game brilliantly, then lose the next in abysmal fashion is something Crewe fans are all too familiar with, and with the loss of League 2 top scorer Donaldson expect a similar season to last.
Player to watch
Shaun Miller
Along with Clayton Donaldson last season this pair grabbed an incredible 48 goals between them, with Miller scoring 19!
He's already on six this term and needs to be watched closely.
Player details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Miller
Another of Dario's wonder kids: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Last time out
Crewe Alexandra 1 Macclesfield Town 0 (played on Saturday, October 8th): Report: www.crewealex.net
Beeb highlights: to be posted
Too close to the bottom for comfort(but only five points from the play-offs!)
| 16 | Macclesfield Town | 11 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 14 | 12 | 14 | +2 | ||||
| 17 | Aldershot Town | 11 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 11 | 14 | -1 | ||||
| 18 | Accrington Stanley | 11 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 14 | 14 | -3 | ||||
| 19 | Crewe Alexandra | 11 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 13 | 15 | 13 | -2 | ||||
| 20 | Dagenham & Redbridge | 11 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 13 | -4 | ||||
| 21 | Barnet | 11 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 22 | 9 | -10 | ||||
| 22 | Bradford City | 11 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 15 | 20 | 7 | -5 | ||||
| 23 | Hereford United | 11 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 21 | 6 | -17 | ||||
| 24 | Plymouth Argyle | 11 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 21 | 4 | -16 | ||||
PREVIOUSLY
| At Crewe Alex. (16) | At Southend Utd. (16) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results | Total | % | Results | Total | % | |
| Crewe Alex. | 5 | 31.25 | Southend Utd. | 9 | 56.25 | |
| Southend Utd. | 8 | 50.00 | Crewe Alex. | 4 | 25.00 | |
| Draws | 3 | 18.75 | Draws | 3 | 18.75 | |
| Goals | Total | Av.pg | Goals | Total | Av.pg | |
| Crewe Alex. | 20 | 1.25 | Southend Utd. | 25 | 1.56 | |
| Southend Utd. | 25 | 1.56 | Crewe Alex. | 13 | 0.81 | |
| On Neutral Ground (0) | Overall (32 matches) | |||||
| Results | Total | % | Results | Total | % | |
| Crewe Alex. | 0 | 0.00 | Crewe Alex. | 9 | 28.13 | |
| Southend Utd. | 0 | 0.00 | Southend Utd. | 17 | 53.13 | |
| Draws | 0 | 0.00 | Draws | 6 | 18.75 | |
| Goals | Total | Av.pg | Goals | Total | Av.pg | |
| Crewe Alex. | 0 | 0.00 | Crewe Alex. | 33 | 1.03 | |
| Southend Utd. | 0 | 0.00 | Southend Utd. | 50 | 1.56 | |
| Records | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Aggregate | 8 | Crewe Alex. | 5 - 3 | Southend Utd. | 1969/1970 |
| Highest Crewe Alex. score: | 5 | Crewe Alex. | 5 - 3 | Southend Utd. | 1969/1970 |
| Highest Southend Utd. score: | 4 | Crewe Alex. | 3 - 4 | Southend Utd. | 2008/2009 |
| Season | Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010/2011 | Tue 15 Mar | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 0 | Southend Utd. | League Two |
| Sat 16 Oct | Southend Utd. | 0 - 2 | Crewe Alex. | League Two | |
| 2008/2009 | Tue 17 Feb | Southend Utd. | 0 - 1 | Crewe Alex. | League One |
| Sat 20 Sep | Crewe Alex. | 3 - 4 | Southend Utd. | League One | |
| 2007/2008 | Sat 05 Apr | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 3 | Southend Utd. | League One |
| Sat 13 Oct | Southend Utd. | 3 - 0 | Crewe Alex. | League One | |
| 1990/1991 | Sat 12 Jan | Crewe Alex. | 0 - 2 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
| Sat 01 Sep | Southend Utd. | 3 - 2 | Crewe Alex. | Third Division | |
| 1986/1987 | Fri 13 Mar | Crewe Alex. | 2 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Sat 18 Oct | Southend Utd. | 3 - 1 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division | |
| 1985/1986 | Sat 18 Jan | Southend Utd. | 0 - 1 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division |
| Sat 17 Aug | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1984/1985 | Sat 08 Dec | Southend Utd. | 3 - 1 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division |
| Tue 02 Oct | Crewe Alex. | 0 - 2 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1980/1981 | Fri 27 Mar | Southend Utd. | 3 - 0 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division |
| Wed 29 Oct | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1977/1978 | Wed 01 Feb | Crewe Alex. | 0 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Fri 26 Aug | Southend Utd. | 1 - 0 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division | |
| 1976/1977 | Sat 15 Jan | Southend Utd. | 1 - 0 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division |
| Wed 25 Aug | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 1 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1971/1972 | Mon 13 Mar | Southend Utd. | 4 - 1 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division |
| Sat 15 Jan | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 2 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1970/1971 | Sat 17 Apr | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 2 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Fri 09 Oct | Southend Utd. | 0 - 2 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division | |
| 1969/1970 | Tue 27 Jan | Crewe Alex. | 5 - 3 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division |
| Sat 30 Aug | Southend Utd. | 2 - 0 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division | |
| 1967/1968 | Fri 26 Apr | Southend Utd. | 0 - 0 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division |
| Sat 02 Dec | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1966/1967 | Fri 17 Mar | Southend Utd. | 1 - 1 | Crewe Alex. | Fourth Division |
| Sat 22 Oct | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 0 | Southend Utd. | Fourth Division | |
| 1963/1964 | Fri 14 Feb | Crewe Alex. | 1 - 2 | Southend Utd. | Third Division |
| Sat 05 Oct | Southend Utd. | 1 - 1 | Crewe Alex. | Third Division |
GROUND
The opening of the £6m pound Air Products Stand (formerly known as the Railtrack Stand) in 1999 changed forever the look and feel of the ground. Before, it had always been small and homely, but the addition of the Air Products Stand has drastically changed the overall scene. The stand, which sits proudly along one side of the pitch, is a single tier cantilever holding just under 7,000 people. It looks huge compared to the other stands and is probably three times the size of the old Main Stand. It is simply designed, sits well back from the pitch and has windshields to either side. Considering that the overall capacity of the ground is just over 10,000, one can understand how the Air Products Stand dominates Gresty Road, accounting for 70% of the available seating.
The other three stands are roughly of the same height, covered and all seated, but are rather small when compared to the Air Products Stand. So much so, that balls are regularly kicked out of the ground during a game. The newest of these smaller stands is the Mark Price Stand (also known as the Gresty Road End), which is the home end of the ground. This replaced a former open terrace and seats around 900. Opposite is the Wulvern Homes Stand, which was previously known as the Railway End. This has some executive boxes at the rear, but the seating area is only opened for the bigger games. The Blue Bell BMW Stand at one side of the ground, has an unusual television/press gantry on its roof. It almost looks as if part of a portakabin was at some point bolted onto the roof and it looks a bit precarious. In the corner between the Blue Bell BMW & Wulvern Homes Stands is a large clock, whilst on the other side of the Blue Bell BMW Stand is a Police Control Box, keeping a close eye on the away contingent.
An unusual feature is the absence of dugouts, the teams instead are given a section of seating at the front of the Air Products Stand. You will also notice that the pitch is slightly raised above ground level.The ground is completed with a set of modern looking floodlights. I noted that on the Air Products side of the stadium additional lighting is present half way up the floodlight pylons. One assumes that the height of the new stand prevented enough light getting to the pitch and hence additional lighting needed to be subsequently added.
Away fans are housed in the Blue Bell BMW Stand at one side of the ground. The whole of this stand is given to away supporters and houses 1,680 fans, though if required the Wulvern Homes Stand can also be allocated to away fans. Entrance to the away stand is by ticket only, (no cash is accepted at ironically some of the oldest turnstiles I have ever seen at a League Ground). Tickets need to be purchased from the ticket booth next to the supporters club at the entrance to this stand. Please also note that alcohol is not available in this stand.
There are a couple of supporting pillars in the Blue Bell BMW Stand which if you are unlucky could effect your view of the playing action. There is a popular fish and chip shop just outside of the stadium, the smell of which, early in the game, wafts across the ground.
(Thanks to www.footballgroundguide.com for stadium information.)
TICKETS
Can pay on the day, with tickets purchased from the ticket booth next to the supporters club at the entrance to the Blue Bell BMW (away fans) Stand.
Full details here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
WEATHER
A warm 16c's but light rain and increasing wind spreads in during the day. (Stop it!)
REF
The man in the middle is Mark Haywood from West Yorkshire.
Thoughts on his performances this season: http://rateyourref.co.uk/referee/Mark-Haywood
His assistants are Peter Bankes and Mark Howes; Fourth official is Joe Hull.
FIXTURES
League Two
Saturday, October 8th; (all kick-off's 15.00 unless stated): Northampton v Crawley Town, (12:45), Aldershot v Macclesfield, Bradford v Torquay, Cheltenham v Dag & Red, Crewe v Southend, Gillingham v Port Vale, Morecambe v AFC Wimbledon, Oxford Utd v Bristol Rovers, Plymouth v Accrington Stanley, Rotherham v Burton Albion, Shrewsbury v Barnet, Swindon v Hereford.
BET
Crewe (to win) - 19/10, Draw - 12/5, Southend (to win) - 11/5.
For all the footy odds go here: www.oddschecker.com
TRANSPORT
By Train: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
By Car: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
By Coach: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
PUB AND PIES
For the best drinking: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
SOMEWHERE TO LAY YOUR HAT
For an overnight stay: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
HISTORY
Crewe are nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's historical links with the rail industry.
The club was formed in 1877 and reputedly named after Princess Alexandra (somesuggest that the decision to form the club was actually taken in a pub named after the Princess and the club was named after the pub).
They were founding members of the Second Division in 1892 but only lasted four years in the Football League. Since re-entering the competition in 1921, they have mostly remained in the lower divisions and have no major honours to their name.
In June 1983, Crewe appointed Milan-born Dario Gradi as manager. At that time, Crewe had again just avoided being voted out of the Football League. Gradi quickly gained a reputation for developing young talent, allowing Steve Walters to become the youngest ever player to pull on a Crewe shirt: aged just 16 years and 119 days he played against Peterborough United on 6 May.
Gradi's efforts paid off in 1989 when Crewe won promotion to the Third Division. They went back down two years later, but were promoted again in 1994. In the same year, Neil Lennon became the first Crewe Alexandra player to gain an International cap for 60 years when he was selected to play for Northern Ireland against Mexico.
Gradi then led his charges to the unprecedented height of Division One in 1997, after victory over Brentford in the Division Two playoff final, and kept his team there until 2002, despite a club income on which many more lowly clubs could not survive.
As of the summer of 2007, Gradi was the longest serving manager in English league football; he celebrated his 1,000th game in charge of Crewe on 20 November 2001 - an away fixture at Carrow Road, the home of Norwich City F.C., and completed 24 years in sole charge of the club.
During Gradi's control, the club gained a strong reputation for its youth policy, and gained official status as an FA Youth Academy. By concentrating on developing its own players the club remained profitable (a rare thing in lower division football at the time) by selling them on after they have gained experience with Crewe. The Academy is known to stress technical excellence, which accords with Gradi's aim to have his sides play attractive, passing football.
On 24 December 2008 the Icelandic former manager of local rivals Stoke City, Gudjon Thordarson, became the boss with Gradi taking a backseat role, but after a good start the team then went on a poor end-of-season run, in which they did not win for 10 games, and were relegated back down to League Two.
On 2 October 2009, after only nine months in charge, Thordarson was sacked as Crewe manager after a run of poor results.Dario Gradi was reinstated as caretaker manager in time for the following day's match against Rotherham.
With the club on course to finish in a relatively safe mid-table position, despite lingering close to the playoff places for the majority of the season, a later run of poor form saw the team booed due to the dissatisfaction of their own fans.
The season ended with the club in 18th place, only five places above the relegation zone. Gradi responded to this disappointment by refusing to take the team on a pre-season tour, as with last year, stating that he "doesn't want to reward the players for what happened this season".
The club finished 10th in League Two in their 2010–11 season and also ended up having the League 2 golden boot winner: Clayton Donaldson, who scored 29 goals, but moved to Brentford FC in July 2011.
(For a more comprehensive history of the club, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crewe_Alexandra_F.C.)
