CLUB ADDRESS

SOUTHEND UNITED FC
Roots Hall Stadium
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sea
Essex SS2 6NQ

Telephone : 0870 164 2000

TICKET OFFICE
0870 174 2001

CLUB SHOP
0870 174 2003

COMMERICIAL DEPARTMENT
0870 172 2002

OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.southendunited.co.uk

HOW TO GET TO ROOTS HALL
Season 2006-07

BY CAR

BY TRAIN

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA is approximately 30 - 40 minutes from the M25 motorway but this is very much dependant on the time of year; the warmer days tend to see the East End depart en masse to the seaside so be prepared for some congestion, especially when you reach the outskirts of the town.

From all directions the best option is the A127 (junction 29 off the M25). Continue along the A127 for about 20 miles until you reach a roundabout with a TESCO supermarket and the STRAWBERRY FIELDS pub / TRAVEL INN. Take the THIRD EXIT and follow the signs for "Central Southend". At the next set of lights continue straight on and past THE BELL pub; get into the right-hand lane. At the next roundabout, take the THIRD EXIT into VICTORIA AVENUE and continue down the hill to the next set of lights; you should see the floodlights of the football ground on the right-hand side.

Away supporters should turn RIGHT at this set of lights into FAIRFAX DRIVE so that the ground is now on your left. If you arrive early enough, parking can be found on the dual-carriageway (the first turning on your right). If not, then be prepared for the lottery of street-parking. There is parking at the ground but it is very, very limited. Should you get to Southend early enough, continue at the lights and climb the hill to the main entrance to the ground about 400 yards up on the right. There is a charge.

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA can be reached via two mainline services out of London, leaving from London Liverpool Street (the preferred option) and London Fenchurch Street.

The nearest station to the ground is PRITTLEWELL which is on the London Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria line. Trains leave London every 20 minutes at the weekend and the journey takes about an hour, although you should check for engineering works before you leave. At Liverpool Street, get on the front carriage. When you arrive at PRITTLEWELL, leave the station by the set of steps at the end of the platform. At the top of the steps, turn RIGHT over the bridge and continue past THE RAILWAY pub and carry on to a set of traffic lights. Away supporters should turn RIGHT and proceed down VICTORIA AVENUE, passing the main entrance to the ground on the left. At the bottom of the hill, turn LEFT into FAIRFAX DRIVE and continue for about 400 yards to the entrance to the NORTH STAND on the left.

If catching a service from London Fenchurch Street, alight at SOUTHEND CENTRAL and turn RIGHT past O'NEIL'S pub and into the HIGH STREET. Turn LEFT and continue up the shopping centre to the Odeon complex. Walk to the right of the cinema and through the set of bus-stops to the pelican crossing across the dual carriageway. Continue down VICTORIA AVENUE and the ground is about 10 - 15 minutes down on the left.

WHERE TO DRINK NEAR ROOTS HALL
Season 2006-07

THE SPREAD EAGLE
Victoria Avenue

THE GOLDEN LION
Victoria Avenue

Being one of three watering holes just a few minutes walk from the ground, it's no surprise that The Spread Eagle is one of the most popular pubs both before and after matches so get there early and expect it to be "out-of-bounds" to away fans on big-match occasions. There's a big screen TV as well as a pool table and dartboard to while away those hours before the game. It's also renowned for offering a healthy range of real ales and there's a open space at the back to catch those later Summer, early Spring rays of sunshine.

The nearest pub to Roots Hall, just a few yards closer than The Spread Eagle, is the pub that tends to be the rendezvouz point for away fans, which is ironic as for years they banned travelling supporters. The Golden Lion also has a big-screen TV, pool table and dartboard as well as a range of real ales for those who are partial to such things. And for the warmer months there is a beer garden at the rear of the pub.

THE BLUE BOAR
Victoria Avenue

THE NELSON HOTEL
North Street

The third pub is one that should hold a special sway over Southend fans; it was where the football club was formed almost 100 years ago and there's a plaque on the wall outside to commemorate the event. It was a closed decrepit wreck for years before re-opening in 2002 after months of refurbishment. It's a lot smaller than it used to be and gets packed very early on matchdays. There's not a lot inside for entertainment so make sure you have plenty of conversation handy.

About ten minutes from the ground, The Nelson used to be a favourite for away fans. From the ground, head up past The Golden Lion and The Spread Eagle and turn RIGHT at the traffic lights into WEST STREET. Continue to the BP / SAFEWAY and turn LEFT into NORTH STREET; the pub is about 200 yards up on the right. There are two bars; the corner entrance tends to exclude football fans so continue past to the entrance to the Saloon Bar at the side.