Official Match Thread Southend United v AFC Wimbledon

[The Big Dady]

The Official Match Thread brought to you by ShrimperZone.com

So here we are the sixth League One home game of the 2019/20 season and Gary Waddock’s third home game in charge as caretaker manager of the Mighty Shrimpers.

Our sixth League One match at home is against AFC Wimbledon


It is now time for ALL of us to get behind him and the team whether you are at Roots Hall, listening on the radio, listening or watching on ifollow, make that famous "Roots Hall Roar.

Gary Waddock’s 3rd Southend United League One Home Team of the 2019/20 season



The Roots Hall pitch looks fantastic and is ready for action at 3.00pm Saturday 12th October 2019 against AFC Wimbledon



It looks like we are going to have a very wet afternoon with the rain predicted to become heavier as the game goes on, hopefully this will not dampen the spirit of the team.
(Wrap up warm and bring your SUFC folding Umbrella, Bobble Hat, Flat Cap, and Plastic Mack (Wellingtons should not be required), and for our younger supporters you will pleased to hear you will need to keep your Hoodie up).

The weather forecast for this afternoon at Roots Hall



Current League home record after 5 home games

Won 0
Drawn 1
Lost 4
Goals scored 4
Goals conceded 12

League Positions Last Season

19th (2018/19 Season) League One Southend United
20th (2018/19 Season) League One AFC Wimbledon

League Positions Current Season

21st (2019/20 Season) League One Southend United
22nd (2018/19 Season) League One AFC Wimbledon

Recent League Position Change Previous Five Meetings

Southend United 0-1 AFC Wimbledon (L1 16/03/19 Att. 7,570)
AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Southend United (L1 24/11/18 Att. 4,195)
AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Southend United (L1 01/01/18 Att. 4,392)
Southend United 1-0 AFC Wimbledon (L1 26/09/17 Att. 5,881)
AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Southend United (L1 25/03/17 Att. 4,803)

Head to Head record

Southend United Wins: 8
Draws: 2
AFC Wimbledon Wins: 6

Southend United also welcome back Ex-Shrimpers Joe Pigott, Anthony Wordsworth, Luke O’Neill and Mitchell Pinnock are now all with Dons.​

Come On You Blues!
​

 

[The Big Dady]

Managers Pre-match Views​

AFC Wimbledon

Glyn Hodges the Assistant Manager of AFC Wimbledon talks to their OS before travelling to Roots Hall. Manager Walter Downes is suspended by the club after being charged by the FA for misconduct in respect of eight bets placed on football matches.

Glyn Hodges AFC Wimbledon Assistant Manager​

Glyn Hodges is expecting a difficult challenge at Southend United on Saturday, but he wants the players to show once again that they can play good attacking football at Roots Hall.

The Dons struck three goals in the first half an hour against Rochdale, before netting another three in midweek, and Glyn wants that positive approach to continue.

“We know what we’ve got to do, we’ve spoken about it,” said Glyn. “This is going to be a tough game, but also you’ve got to try and put your personality on the game. We’ve got some players who can get on the ball and play. We can’t be waiting for mistakes from the other team, we have to go and force the issue, so we will be set-up to do that.

“Every game is winnable anyway and on the back of two wins I’m looking forward to taking the team there and seeing what we can get. At Peterborough, the away fans were great and this is probably one of the local ones that they can get to a bit easier. They are great and we’ve just got to give them something to shout about. If we can put in a performance, I’m sure they will enjoy the afternoon and let’s hope we prevail.

“Today, I’ve had to do a bit more than I wanted to do because some are still tired, but you need a balance. There’s nothing wrong with playing midweek games. They come around thick and fast. The top teams play in midweek with Champions League games and the players go away on international duty. It’s a test for us, but one we enjoy.”

Glyn added that he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Southend with only Luke O’Neill (calf), Adam Roscrow (thigh), and Rod McDonald (knee) out of action.

“The week has gone quickly. Sometimes it can drag, particularly with the results we were having before the win. With this week, you are basically preparing, playing, and recovering. Now we are preparing again, so it’s massive that the lads who did play on Tuesday get a bit of TLC from the physio room, which they are getting. They have to look after themselves and refuel so that they are firing on all cylinders for Saturday.

“Luke is having a scan, but he will not be back for a few weeks. Apart from Luke, it’s only Rod and Adam Roscrow that are not available.”

As we announced earlier, Marcus Forss will be in the squad after choosing to play for Wimbledon, rather than go away on international duty for Finland Under-21s.

Link to full story
Link

Southend

Gary Waddock talks to the Southend United OS ahead of the game with AFC Wimbledon

Gary Waddock Caretaker Manager of Southend United​

Southend United face a big test at Roots Hall on Saturday against AFC Wimbledon, only one place and two points above them in the league table.

Blues have picked up just one point at home which caretaker manager Gary Waddock will want to quickly improve upon.

And Waddock is aware it’s a big game against another managerless side following Dons boss Wally Downes’ indefinite suspension, accused of breaking betting regulations.

"They’ve had an upturn in terms of results but it’s more about how we approach the game and go into the game,” he said.

"The players have trained hard and well this week, there was a game on Tuesday for some of the lads that needed the minutes so all in all it’s been a decent week.

"It’s an important game. There’s three points at stake against a club that are close to us so it’s an important fixture.

"The players need to show character, attitude, desire, determination, all those words need to be shown on Saturday to get any type of result.

"We need to make sure we come to the game focussed and ready to go.”

Waddock watched Tom Hopper come through 45 minutes of action on Tuesday against Maidstone United.

Hopper has been out for 11 and a half months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

He won’t be rushed, Waddock said, but added there’s a discussion to be had about his involvement in the matchday squad.

"I was pleased with him, he got 45 minutes but that’s his first game in a long time.

"We have to make sure we do everything right with him and then have a conversation to see how he feels with everything that has gone on over the last 11 to 12 months.

"We’ll have a conversation and see where we go.

"That first game a big barrier to overcome. Early on he was a bit rusty which you would expect, but once he got his second wind you see the qualities that he has and what he can bring to the team.

"Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and protect the player. As much as he wants to be involved, it’s only his first action so we’ll have a number of conversations from now to Saturday and see where we are with it.

"No decision has been made as of yet, but in terms of coming back 45 minutes isn’t long enough to put someone into a very important fixture.

"The bigger picture is making sure he’s right longer term."

Link to full story
Link


Gary Waddock talks to Chris Phillips at the ECHO about his future ahead of the game against AFC Wimbledon

Gary Waddock set to stay in charge of Southend United for crunch AFC Wimbledon clash​

GARY Waddock is expecting to remain as Southend United’s caretaker manager for tomorrow’s crunch clash with AFC Wimbledon at Roots Hall.

Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin had expected to name a new boss at the start of the week.

But, despite rumours linking former England international Sol Campbell with the role, Blues have still yet to make an appointment - five weeks after Kevin Bond’s departure.

And Waddock - who has been in charge of the last six matches - is now preparing to also take the team for this weekend’s encounter with the Dons.

Waddock said: “As far as I’m aware I’ll be in charge for Saturday.”

Blues sit 22nd in the table, one place below Wimbledon.

Link to full story
Link

Gary Waddock talks to Chris Phillips at the ECHO before the game with AFC Wimbledon​

Gary Waddock Southend United’s Caretaker Manager​

Southend United’s caretaker manager Gary Waddock is bracing himself for another tough test tomorrow - despite AFC Wimbledon’s lowly League placing.

The Dons sit just above the Shrimpers in the standings.

But Waddock feels Wimbledon will be heading to Roots Hall on a high.

“Wimbledon have had an upturn in their results and they have won their last two games so they’re coming here in good spirits and we have to be ready to deal with that,” said the former Wycombe Wanderers chief.

“But it’s more about how we approach the game and how we go into the game.

“That’s what we’re focusing on and we have to make sure it’s a good result.

The Shrimpers were seen off 3-1 by Gillingham last weekend and have now been beaten in their last three games.

However, Waddock feels it has been a good week of preparation for the squad.

“The players have trained hard and well this week,” said Waddock.

“There was a game on Tuesday for the lads who needed minutes so it’s been a good week but obviously you’re ultimately judged on what happens on a matchday so we have to make sure we’re on it.”

Blues have yet to win at home so far this season and head into the game this weekend having been beaten nine times in 11 League outings this term.

That wretched run has seen the Shrimpers slump to 22nd in the League One standings with just four points.

Wimbledon sit immediately above them with six points from 12 games.

And Waddock admits there is no denying how important Saturday’s game could prove to be.

“It’s an important game because there are three points at stake against a club who are close to us in the League table,” said Waddock.

“It’s still early in the season and there are still plenty of points to play for but we want the win, especially at home in front of the fans.”

But Waddock knows Blues must be at their best to triumph.

“The players need to have desire, character and determination,” said Waddock.

“All of those need to be shown to get a result because Wimbledon have had an upturn.

“We have to make sure we’re focused and ready to go and I’m sure we will be.”

However, Waddock could be forced into making more changes than expected.

“We have some injuries,” said the 57-year-old.

“I won’t say who they are but we will give them as much time as we can before we can finalise the team which is going to go out there and look to win the game.”

Winger Sam Barratt will definitely miss out with a long-term knee injury.

But he is again closing in on a comeback having suffered a setback.

“Sam had a setback but he’s back out on the grass,” said Waddock.

“He’s getting closer but he’s not close.”

Barratt has been out of action since August 2018 with a cruciate ligament injury.

Link to full story
Link

Team News

​

Gary Waddock reveals the team news ahead of Saturday's game against AFC Wimbledon.

Blues' caretaker manager said he has got some injuries to players in the squad to contend with.

The latest news...

Nathan Ralph

He’s available but we need to wait and see which way we go with it personnel wise and in terms of how we set up for the game.

Sam Mantom

It was a hamstring injury which can take some time to settle down so the time scale with Sam we’re unsure of at the minute. He’s out at the moment.

Brandon Goodship

Brandon trained on Tuesday and he had to come in [early]. I wouldn’t say he’s 100 per cent but he’s getting there.

We worked hard Tuesday and with what he had gone through over the weekend he couldn’t complete the session. He trained today and felt much better though.

Charlie Kelman

Charlie is out and we won’t be able to call upon him for quite some time.

Sam Barratt

He had a setback a number of weeks ago but he’s back out on the grass now. He’s getting closer but he’s not close.

Link to full story
Link

Come On You Blues!​

 

[The Big Dady]

The Big Preview​

Southend United vs AFC Wimbledon


​

Overview

Blues will welcome AFC Wimbledon to Roots Hall tomorrow afternoon in what is already looking like a huge six-pointer for both sides.

The Dons, along with Southend, are currently in the relegation places having each picked up just the one win so far this campaign, with Wimbledon currently two points above Blues.

Three points for either side here tomorrow could be the springboard needed to start climbing up the table and away from the danger zone.

Form

Southend go into tomorrow’s game off the back of successive defeats to Gillingham and Accrington Stanley, having picked up just one win so far this campaign.

Blues also have yet to pick up a victory at Roots Hall this season with their only point on home turf coming when they drew 3-3 with Fleetwood Town.

Wimbledon earned their first win of the league season last weekend with a 3-2 victory over Rochdale and they followed that up with 3-0 win over Leyton Orient in the Leasing.com Trophy in midweek.

Last Meeting

Saturday 16th March 2019

Southend United 0-1 AFC Wimbledon

Pigott 67’

Joe Pigott came back to haunt his former side as the Wimbledon striker capitalised on a defensive mix-up from Blues to grab the only goal of the game at Roots Hall.

A long ball from the back caused Michael Turner and Mark Oxley to collide, allowing Pigott to steal in and slide the ball into the empty net to give the Dons a vital victory.

Blues Team News

Mark Milligan is unavailable for Blues this weekend having been called up by the Australian national side for their World Cup qualifiers against Nepal and Chinese Taipei.

Another midfielder likely to be absent is Sam Mantom who missed the Gillingham game with a hamstring problem which he’s unlikely to recover from in time for Saturday.

Nathan Ralph and Brandon Goodship are back in training and should be available for selection, while Charlie Kelman remains out with an ankle problem.

Wimbledon Dangerman

One of a number of former Blues faces found in the Wimbledon squad, midfielder Mitchell Pinnock looks like he’s found form in recent weeks and will be a key threat on Saturday.

Pinnock has scored for Dons in their last two league games, including what turned out to be the winner last weekend against Rochdale, their first league win of the season.

The 24-year-old began his career at Blues but he made just the two appearances in his time at the club and he’ll be looking to add to his goal tally this afternoon against his former employers.

Ref Watch

Referee Simon Cooper will take charge of proceedings at Roots Hall tomorrow afternoon, assisted by Daniel Robathan and Neil Davies with Alan Dale the fourth official.

Cooper has taken control of just the five games so far this season – four in the Championship and one in the Premier League – issuing 21 yellows and no red cards.

This will be Cooper’s first visit to Roots Hall since December 2015, with the Wiltshire ref last taking charge of Blues in a 1-1 draw at Charlton Athletic last February where he sent off Dru Yearwood.

Tickets

It's Junior Blues Day and therefore all Junior Blues can attend this fixture for FREE.

Link to full story
Link

Today's Programme


​

Tom Hopper made a welcome return to the pitch this week, so he was the perfect person to speak to for the AFC Wimbledon programme.

The Blues number nine featured for the first time on Tuesday, almost a year on since rupturing his ACL.

He was in the U23s side that beat Maidstone United 3-1, and after the game Hopper spoke to Roots Review all about his comeback, what he did well, what he needs to do to be 100 per cent fit and ready, and we also asked him whether he thinks he’s ready to be on the bench for a short cameo appearance on Saturday if needed.

Read the interview with Hopper, along with plenty more about the opposition, in the 68-page edition.

We’ve also got community content, Academy content, Shrimpers Trust content, SUEPA content.

SUEPA have organised for two former players to be guests for the day, they are Dave Barnett and Ken Reynolds, and their visit is covered inside the programme on pages 54 and 55 along with a ‘Quickfire Five’ with Joe Pigott, now of AFC Wimbledon of course.

We’re looking forward to giving Dave and Ken a great Roots Hall welcome on Saturday!

Don’t forget, it’s Junior Blues day tomorrow. Seeing as Mark Milligan is off on his travels captaining the Australian National Team to a 5-0 win over Nepal, we drafted in Junior Blues co-ordinator Kay Fogg to introduce the game from their perspective and, along with the help of three Junior Blues, explain everything about what's included in becoming one.

If you want to find out what else is in the programme, well you can purchase it for £3 from the sellers around the ground!

We hope you enjoy it, and the game too!

Full info here
Link

Come On You Blues!​

 

[The Big Dady]

AFC Wimbledon Team

 

[Harry Bullocks]

No Hump ???

 

[The Big Dady]

4 Changes today, Simon Cox captain, and Hopper back from his long team injury and is on the bench.

Terrell Egbri and Matt Rush also make there first appearance for a League game and have been added to the bench.

 

[Shrimper]

That's a bad bench. Egbri and Rush debuts later?

 

[Harry Bullocks]

2 strikers...Hopper & Rush...ok, one on the way back, the other young...but strikers all the same

 

[The Big Dady]

After 354 days out injured, after battling back from a ruptured ACL and overcoming a setback along the way, what a sight it is to see our number nine back among the first team squad on a matchday!

 

[LennySUFC]

Don’t see the impact that can come from the bench today. Hopper shouldn’t feature if he’s only completed 45 mins - the last thing we need is him having a set back.

Is Liam Ridgewell a myth?

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Don’t see the impact that can come from the bench today. Hopper shouldn’t feature if he’s only completed 45 mins - the last thing we need is him having a set back.

Is Liam Ridgewell a myth?

Liam Who …?

 

[LBBlue]

Waddock must know this his last game so he had left out all the non triers - I don’t reckon they’re injured

 

[Ricey]

No Hump ???

He’s tired, was up all night playing Fifa.

 

[Sammy Shrimper]

Liam Who …?

Liam Injured but still taking a wage thanks to 007! Hopefully not to be seen again after that last performance.

 

[jarvisyeh]

Waddock must know this his last game so he had left out all the non triers - I don’t reckon they’re injured

But Dieng?

 

[Shrimper]

Waddock must know this his last game so he had left out all the non triers - I don’t reckon they’re injured

Wouldn't have blamed him for playing just youth players

 

[Harry Bullocks]

He’s tired, was up all night playing Fifa.

Ho ho ho...nice one

 

[Ricey]

Don’t think Cox should be captain, think it should be Kiernan.

Great to see Hopper back and Egbri and Rush on the bench. Rush’s scoring record at youth level and on loan is impressive.

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Ok, let's get the ball rolling

Come on you Shrimpers..

 

[Ricey]

Pig, Wordy and Pinnock all starting.... One is bound to score.

Fingers crossed we get something out of this game.