Question Feeling ambivalent, but how are you feeling as a shrimper?

[Mad Cyril]

I can summarise in one word - ennui.

Of course that could all change with a big win over Maidenhead.

 

[BEERMONSTER]

Also 50 years plus a fan. To experience the ups you also have the downs. The joys of the former outweigh the pain of the latter. Oh to be a six year old kid again going to Roots Hall for the first time.

I think your outlook sums up the attached, right there with you.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Probably an unpopular opinion but I feel like COSU are bit too preoccupied by their self stainability plans that they can't put into action yet and would rather the current problems were sorted out first. Plans for the training ground have now gone in but otherwise the west stand can't be done until the end of this season, the east stand will be done last so that is a few years away, the fan park location hasn't been decided so no plans have been put in for it yet. In the meantime the medical side of the club needs an overhaul and will help keep the players on the pitch and employing someone to do the basics around the ground instead of relying on the Trust to do it.

I’m not sure what you’re expecting but these sorts of things take time. The alternative is Ron buying the soccerdome and leaving it to rust whilst he tries to figure out what to do with it.

A prudent owner costs things first, they look into different options, they gauge how much demand there is by opening up the Shrimpers and Far Post bar early before matches and by changing beer options and see how many fans actually turn up and how much they spend.

I also don’t buy that this is at the cost of the team. I’ve seen evidence of COSU investing in the team: Josh Walker was signed for a fee and no doubt a decent wage; Joe Gubbins was tempted here when he was playing L2 last year; Moncur is on a monster wage; I doubt Bonne is on cheap wages. These were not the types of signings we were making for the last few years because they were out of our budget. That we haven’t got value out of these signings yet is another matter and I agree investing in medical department would be worthwhile here.

Personally I don’t think now is the time to go all-in on the squad. This is possibly an even more unpopular opinion than yours. If I was manager I’d largely be sitting tight until January and then looking to see if we’re in contention and extra signings can get us into the playoffs, or if there are players we can bring in then to get a head start on next season. I’d rather build up a war chest to spend on a season when we’re not already 13 points behind the leaders.

 

[overseas shrimper]

Exactly! And that's why improved opportunities for increased revenues outside of matchday attendances are vital to underpin any progress on the pitch going forward. We have to have a viable infrastructure to support long term progression not just a 1or 2 seasons wonder, no matter how enjoyable it might be, we've been there and done that in the past.

I'm just flabbergasted this needs saying.

 

[PIERS]

New players will make no difference if we still take 3 mins to cross a ball into a set non league defence.
They almost enjoy it at this level

 

[Smiffy]

Over the moon ratty has gone and I already made peace with this season before a ball was kicked. So I’m perhaps a little more relaxed about the bang average showing thus far on the pitch. I won’t be as forgiving next season though and I suspect many others won’t either. Don’t get me wrong I’m not exactly happy at almost writing this season off already, but I feel it’s for the best to keep the mind on an even keel.

I’m expecting big things over the spring/summer next year on and off the pitch. Anything less than a genuine promotion push with some decent signings and some big upgrades around RH would be very disappointing and I’d imagine a lot of fans will be thinking the same. If not I would expect gates to drop quite a bit.

 

[wakes123]

I haven’t actually used my season ticket this season yet. Some personal difficulties are involved in that, but also I think the last few years have really hit my connect with the club which has made not being there slightly easier. From going to every single game year on year, league, cup, JPT or whatever, I think I went 6 times last season. Years of sheer mental torture from what went on have had a lasting effect on many of us I think.

I’m a bit similar to this. Used to go a lot more regularly, probably go once a month now, if that.

I’ve lost the buzz and passion for it all a little bit, which is a shame. I don’t think I’m a very fickle fan (like to think I can take a step back and see the bigger picture), so I don’t think it’s entirely the recent results causing that. I’ve hit 36 years old and like to do a few other hobbies on a Saturday now (dogging…things like that).

I’ll still always look out for the results and support Southend, whilst going to a game here and there.

All a big shame as this should be the glory years now Ron has gone, but you can help how you feel.

 

[gatecrasher]

I think I'm.just fatigued from years of wondering will the club survive, watching us collapse down the divisions. The last two years, despite all the financial troubles, we have been competitive and almost been on the cusp of the playoffs. This year I thought we would give it a right good go, but we have just collapsed into some crab ball, inspid team devoid of any character.

Gus aside do we have any quality now, it doesn't feel like it. Some of the better players like Collin and Ralph have gone missing and Kev seems to be unable to change formation and tactics. If I see the team has Bonne up top on his own I can pretty much guarantee a defeat or draw at best.

 

[Tommy2holes]

I’m a bit similar to this. Used to go a lot more regularly, probably go once a month now, if that.

I’ve lost the buzz and passion for it all a little bit, which is a shame. I don’t think I’m a very fickle fan (like to think I can take a step back and see the bigger picture), so I don’t think it’s entirely the recent results causing that. I’ve hit 36 years old and like to do a few other hobbies on a Saturday now (dogging…things like that).

I’ll still always look out for the results and support Southend, whilst going to a game here and there.

All a big shame as this should be the glory years now Ron has gone, but you can help how you feel.

Tbf I'd probably take dogging over seeing us get pumped at the hall again

 

[NZamba Legend]

The alternative is Ron buying the soccerdome and leaving it to rust whilst he tries to figure out what to do with it.

Come on, we’ve all bought a soccerdome on Vinted after a few beers. It’s the postage that is the killer.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Come on, we’ve all bought a soccerdome on Vinted after a few beers. It’s the postage that is the killer.

And writing the assembling numbers in chalk. We've all done it.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I think I'm.just fatigued from years of wondering will the club survive, watching us collapse down the divisions. The last two years, despite all the financial troubles, we have been competitive and almost been on the cusp of the playoffs. This year I thought we would give it a right good go, but we have just collapsed into some crab ball, inspid team devoid of any character.

Gus aside do we have any quality now, it doesn't feel like it. Some of the better players like Collin and Ralph have gone missing and Kev seems to be unable to change formation and tactics. If I see the team has Bonne up top on his own I can pretty much guarantee a defeat or draw at best.

Ralph hasn’t gone missing he’s missed one match through suspension but has otherwise been very good.

Walker, Moncur and Bonne are supposed to be our quality but they’ve struggled for fitness.

 

[stewart]

As an exile who has been following the club since a 7 year old when i lived in Southend , i was 78 years old yesterday 4th October followed SUFC until i left Southend back in august 15th 1966, My Mother would send me the southend Standard and Echo most weeks to Australia for me to read, I used to but i think it was Charles Bugners football weekly magazine every thursday to help keep up to date, We have for past 20 years been under the ownership of a Rat Family but it goes back further than just them under the Johnson family it wasnt much better crowds of just 1000 a lot like most of the NL teams if you think about it, now we have i believe a consortium that cares for the club and are slowly rebuilding RH back to her glorious past, the club is in safe hands, my only worry is the plaing side of the club, They the consortium cannot i believe payout to rebuid RH and at the same time give to much on the playing side for players ,so JS Maher and co will need to be choosy in the players they sign ,need to be on a par but preferrably better than we have at present or young with undoubted ability to improve as sell ons will be important . We are and always have been a sell on club, its how we have survived so long. But on saying this i just wonder if Maher and co are a lot like Sturrock was , he came to the club when we was in dire straights ,saved us built the playing side up got us to Wembley only to be sacked, are this what Maher and cos ending will be like ,are their capabilities
only good enough to just get us to safety , i have said before he is safe this season for sure but the first 10 to 12 matches next season will define him ,COSU know we need to get back into the EFL asap for their plans for the club to eventuate. What im saying here is even Sturrock getting us to Wembley couldnt save him from being sacked , The Rat needed promotion for the club to enable his dream to come true, I believe the Rat realised he missed his chance of a big payday when he didnt sell the club when we got promoted to the championship.

 

[stewart]

Even getting us to Wembley couldnt save Sturrock from being fired , The RAT i believe knew he missed is chance of a bigpay when he failed to sell the club when we got promotion to the Championship and that was his goal again promotion it was his only way out and only way for a big payday .

 

[Southend Elvis]

I'm a realist, and my view on everything is, does it work, if it does do it, if not then don't.
So let's take this right back to the beginning.
What's the main priority.
Team or Stadium?
We would all love to do both equally, but due to the money we can't.
If we don't have fans, we don't have money. How many years has RH been run down now..does it matter if for a couple more years this continues, all I want to see is us doing well on the pitch. Success brings money.
We could have a fantastic stadium and a really poor team, would you turn up just cause you have a fantastic seat, I would prefer to sit on a crate watching a great team!

Hopefully today we go on a season long winning streak, and all this doom and gloom is put behind us!

 

[graingerroad54]

As an exile who has been following the club since a 7 year old when i lived in Southend , i was 78 years old yesterday 4th October followed SUFC until i left Southend back in august 15th 1966, My Mother would send me the southend Standard and Echo most weeks to Australia for me to read, I used to but i think it was Charles Bugners football weekly magazine every thursday to help keep up to date, We have for past 20 years been under the ownership of a Rat Family but it goes back further than just them under the Johnson family it wasnt much better crowds of just 1000 a lot like most of the NL teams if you think about it, now we have i believe a consortium that cares for the club and are slowly rebuilding RH back to her glorious past, the club is in safe hands, my only worry is the plaing side of the club, They the consortium cannot i believe payout to rebuid RH and at the same time give to much on the playing side for players ,so JS Maher and co will need to be choosy in the players they sign ,need to be on a par but preferrably better than we have at present or young with undoubted ability to improve as sell ons will be important . We are and always have been a sell on club, its how we have survived so long. But on saying this i just wonder if Maher and co are a lot like Sturrock was , he came to the club when we was in dire straights ,saved us built the playing side up got us to Wembley only to be sacked, are this what Maher and cos ending will be like ,are their capabilities
only good enough to just get us to safety , i have said before he is safe this season for sure but the first 10 to 12 matches next season will define him ,COSU know we need to get back into the EFL asap for their plans for the club to eventuate. What im saying here is even Sturrock getting us to Wembley couldnt save him from being sacked , The Rat needed promotion for the club to enable his dream to come true, I believe the Rat realised he missed his chance of a big payday when he didnt sell the club when we got promoted to the championship.

Charles Buchan?

 

[Medway Blue]

I'm a realist, and my view on everything is, does it work, if it does do it, if not then don't.
So let's take this right back to the beginning.
What's the main priority.
Team or Stadium?
We would all love to do both equally, but due to the money we can't.
If we don't have fans, we don't have money. How many years has RH been run down now..does it matter if for a couple more years this continues, all I want to see is us doing well on the pitch. Success brings money.
We could have a fantastic stadium and a really poor team, would you turn up just cause you have a fantastic seat, I would prefer to sit on a crate watching a great team!

Hopefully today we go on a season long winning streak, and all this doom and gloom is put behind us!

It's not even about having a fantastic seat. It's about turning Roots Hall into a facility that generates money all year round, rather than just on 25 days when there is football happening, to financially support the club.

"Success brings money" is not the right way to look at it for a club of our size. People will always want more money to be spent, and there is a ceiling when ancilliary facilities are as poor as ours are.

The club is losing £1.5-2m per season. All other things (like Roots Hall) staying the same, that funding gap could decrease if the club were to be promoted back into the EFL......but then more money will need to be spent (and supporters will want it to be spent) on the squad to improve it and to keep it up there.......so the funding gap isn't closed as much as people think it will be, because expenditure will rise, and crowds won't be *that* much better in League 2.

We'll then probably have the same people saying they might not come anymore if we're slumming it in mid table in League 2 rather than spending for promotion to League 1.

The club's infrastructure must be invested in. Spending money that we (or the owners) don't have was a Ron Martin play, and is what got us into the mess we were in. It's madness to advocate it.

People are begging for more money to spent to get out of the division ASAP, but what if it doesn't happen straight away? What to some might just be £500k extra on the playing budget to get promotion, could double or treble if we don't achieve it at the first or even second time of asking. There are no guarantees of anything. It would be a huge risk when the club doesn't have the infrastructure to absorb the additional losses if promotion isn't won at the first attempt.

The hope is to spend enough to be competitive, and to hope that the football department can unearth some gems to get us promoted without a top-3 budget, as the likes of Sutton and Barrow did. That could easily bring success next season when the football department have a hassle-free summer off the pitch and can get their targets in early.

That's good enough for me for the time being, whilst I enjoy watching the club get dragged out of a pit off the pitch.

 

[leeblue]

Forget everything I've said in this thread
It's Saturday
It's gameday
Let's ave it you blues

 

[stewart]

hopefully Moncur is right and we will put it all together and play an attacking game and some really beautiful football. C"mon blues give the supporters something to shout loud in a good way about ,help them all go home with a big smile or to the pub after and have something joyous to talk about.. Show us all what you made of be proud to wear our shirt ..

 

[Southend Elvis]

It's not even about having a fantastic seat. It's about turning Roots Hall into a facility that generates money all year round, rather than just on 25 days when there is football happening, to financially support the club.

"Success brings money" is not the right way to look at it for a club of our size. People will always want more money to be spent, and there is a ceiling when ancilliary facilities are as poor as ours are.

The club is losing £1.5-2m per season. All other things (like Roots Hall) staying the same, that funding gap could decrease if the club were to be promoted back into the EFL......but then more money will need to be spent (and supporters will want it to be spent) on the squad to improve it and to keep it up there.......so the funding gap isn't closed as much as people think it will be, because expenditure will rise, and crowds won't be *that* much better in League 2.

We'll then probably have the same people saying they might not come anymore if we're slumming it in mid table in League 2 rather than spending for promotion to League 1.

The club's infrastructure must be invested in. Spending money that we (or the owners) don't have was a Ron Martin play, and is what got us into the mess we were in. It's madness to advocate it.

People are begging for more money to spent to get out of the division ASAP, but what if it doesn't happen straight away? What to some might just be £500k extra on the playing budget to get promotion, could double or treble if we don't achieve it at the first or even second time of asking. There are no guarantees of anything. It would be a huge risk when the club doesn't have the infrastructure to absorb the additional losses if promotion isn't won at the first attempt.

The hope is to spend enough to be competitive, and to hope that the football department can unearth some gems to get us promoted without a top-3 budget, as the likes of Sutton and Barrow did. That could easily bring success next season when the football department have a hassle-free summer off the pitch and can get their targets in early.

That's good enough for me for the time being, whilst I enjoy watching the club get dragged out of a pit off the pitch.

Let's be honest , the reason we are Discussing about the squad, is that we can't really say anything about the management. Kev and the boys have done wonders over the last couple of years, but after all those years of phil browns football, now this...not sure how many more years we can take.
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