SUFC: The Future Next season

[Stubb]

I have just watched the Oldham owner being interviewed on BBC Breakfast. He told of the financial problems he faced when he bought the club (not unlike ours). He said that in any business the first year was 'survival', the second year was 'consolidation ' and the third year was 'improvement '. Comparing that with our club and when the consortium first took over, then we have survived the first year (above expectations). Next season should be about consolidating the club including playing strength and after that comes improvement (promotion).
I remember a post on here just after we were relegated that it would take at least 5 seasons to get out of the National League. The poster seemed to know what he/she was talking about.

 

[Southminster Shrimper]

I wanted to get a picture of the Southend logo as I walked into the stadium.

Didn't realise until today, this little lad touching the logo.

This is what it is all about.

We go again blues. Onto next season.

 

[Boreham Blue]

COSU have said we want to get back in EFL.
The quickest way is to put their hands in their long pockets and get spending on a team of winners. Once promoted they will be able to recover their investment sooner rather than later.

It’s easy to spend other people’s money isn’t it.

 

[Boreham Blue]

Now enjoying my delayed holiday due to Wembley and literally on the next sun bed. We are everywhere!.

 

[OldBlueLady]

I have just watched the Oldham owner being interviewed on BBC Breakfast. He told of the financial problems he faced when he bought the club (not unlike ours). He said that in any business the first year was 'survival', the second year was 'consolidation ' and the third year was 'improvement '. Comparing that with our club and when the consortium first took over, then we have survived the first year (above expectations). Next season should be about consolidating the club including playing strength and after that comes improvement (promotion).
I remember a post on here just after we were relegated that it would take at least 5 seasons to get out of the National League. The poster seemed to know what he/she was talking about.

Yeah, saw this too. And, apart from giving us a nice shout out, he was still calling us "The Shrimps"!!!

I honestly don't think there will be too many changes, I think we'll struggle to hold onto Gus (doesn't he have the same agent as Cardwell?), but for me, the bigger loss would be Taylor. Gus' defensive abilities have never matched his advancing and goal scoring ones, which is kind of odd for a RB/RWB. Get Hazza on a better contract asap. Offering Nathan a new contract is an absolute no brainer - he's been overshadowed this season because of Gus, Harry and even Goodliffe recently, but he's such a good defender, a tremendous header of the ball and chipped in with some goals. George Wind has shown he's perfectly good cover for Gus.

Oli Coker, for me, is the lynchpin around which midfield needs to be built. Yes, he can have an off day, they all can, but on the whole, his vision is the best we currently have and, boy, can he score a goal too. Both Cav and Noor have had issues this season arising from injury, both need to get themselves fully sorted and back to peak. Add in Morton, KAF and LCP and I don't see much wrong there. I don't have a problem with Cav picking up cards - it's the same as McCormack, Bailey and others have done in that role - unfortunately, some refs will always try and exert authority over those types early on.

As others have said, fully expect Wood and Waldron to leave. I'd love to keep Bonne, I think he's come alive and fallen back in love with football and genuinely loves it here, but I don't know if we can with what space there is in the squad. For me, I'd see him and Charley as the main strike force. It's unfortunate about the contracts for the other two. A new proven goalscorer would be wonderful, but they're like the golden goose of lower leagues - pretty unattainable.

I haven't mentioned Jack Bridge so far, would love him to stay. I still think he has a lot to offer, and I think he's grown defensively this season. What we have to do is stop relying on him being the only outlet and accept that there are other game plans available - that stops him being under so much pressure to perform and from being criticised.

As signings go, I think I'd prefer Golding to Goodliffe on the whole, although I am grateful for the job that Goodliffe has done. I am intrigued about the GK situation, I prefer Collin to Nick, but curious as to how Kev sees this.

 

[IloveShrimp]

I like GoodLife but I feel he's nearing end of career rather than improving. I felt he was caught out for pace and positioning on several occasions in the final which led to goals or goal chances. If his power detoriates that's only going to get worse.

He is only 26 in June!

 

[crangoner]

I wanted to get a picture of the Southend logo as I walked into the stadium.

Didn't realise until today, this little lad touching the logo.

This is what it is all about.

We go again blues. Onto next season.

View attachment 37321

There's the next tifo design...

 

[Southminster Shrimper]

There's the next tifo design...

I should copyright my image!!

 

[fredheim_holm]

Yeah, saw this too. And, apart from giving us a nice shout out, he was still calling us "The Shrimps"!!!

I honestly don't think there will be too many changes, I think we'll struggle to hold onto Gus (doesn't he have the same agent as Cardwell?), but for me, the bigger loss would be Taylor. Gus' defensive abilities have never matched his advancing and goal scoring ones, which is kind of odd for a RB/RWB. Get Hazza on a better contract asap. Offering Nathan a new contract is an absolute no brainer - he's been overshadowed this season because of Gus, Harry and even Goodliffe recently, but he's such a good defender, a tremendous header of the ball and chipped in with some goals. George Wind has shown he's perfectly good cover for Gus.

Oli Coker, for me, is the lynchpin around which midfield needs to be built. Yes, he can have an off day, they all can, but on the whole, his vision is the best we currently have and, boy, can he score a goal too. Both Cav and Noor have had issues this season arising from injury, both need to get themselves fully sorted and back to peak. Add in Morton, KAF and LCP and I don't see much wrong there. I don't have a problem with Cav picking up cards - it's the same as McCormack, Bailey and others have done in that role - unfortunately, some refs will always try and exert authority over those types early on.

As others have said, fully expect Wood and Waldron to leave. I'd love to keep Bonne, I think he's come alive and fallen back in love with football and genuinely loves it here, but I don't know if we can with what space there is in the squad. For me, I'd see him and Charley as the main strike force. It's unfortunate about the contracts for the other two. A new proven goalscorer would be wonderful, but they're like the golden goose of lower leagues - pretty unattainable.

I haven't mentioned Jack Bridge so far, would love him to stay. I still think he has a lot to offer, and I think he's grown defensively this season. What we have to do is stop relying on him being the only outlet and accept that there are other game plans available - that stops him being under so much pressure to perform and from being criticised.

As signings go, I think I'd prefer Golding to Goodliffe on the whole, although I am grateful for the job that Goodliffe has done. I am intrigued about the GK situation, I prefer Collin to Nick, but curious as to how Kev sees this.

Think that’s nailed it OBL. I don’t see it coming but if someone offered sizeable money for Gus I’d be inclined to take it, we either cash in now or keep him for the next few years.

Oil for me is quality and KAF, LCP, Noor, Morton & Miley are all good enough. Getting in a quality LWB so Jack can be backup and LCP can play in the middle makes sense to me.

I’ve not seen Goodliffe a ton having been out of the country but he seems better in the opposition box than our own. I personally don’t see him in a team challenging for the top 3 which has to be the ambition (though not expectation).

I’m not sure many of us would opt to offer Walker a new contract but he has one, Hopper I like but only as 4th choice. Clearly were one starting striker away and a 2nd/3rd choice to battle it out with Kendall.

Lots to be positive about and in the three amigos and JS we trust.

 

[londonblue]

I thin! It's time plastic pitches like Tamworth were banned in the NL. Most are now full time and a consistent playing surface should not be negotiable.

Agreed. Although in fairness to Tamworth, they did give me a laugh. It was Tom Tonks (him with the long throw) who made a point after Spurs won whatever European trophy. He laughed at Man Ure pointing out that Spurs couldn't beat him in 90 minutes and he sells sandwiches for a living!

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Yeah, saw this too. And, apart from giving us a nice shout out, he was still calling us "The Shrimps"!!!

I honestly don't think there will be too many changes, I think we'll struggle to hold onto Gus (doesn't he have the same agent as Cardwell?), but for me, the bigger loss would be Taylor. Gus' defensive abilities have never matched his advancing and goal scoring ones, which is kind of odd for a RB/RWB. Get Hazza on a better contract asap. Offering Nathan a new contract is an absolute no brainer - he's been overshadowed this season because of Gus, Harry and even Goodliffe recently, but he's such a good defender, a tremendous header of the ball and chipped in with some goals. George Wind has shown he's perfectly good cover for Gus.

Oli Coker, for me, is the lynchpin around which midfield needs to be built. Yes, he can have an off day, they all can, but on the whole, his vision is the best we currently have and, boy, can he score a goal too. Both Cav and Noor have had issues this season arising from injury, both need to get themselves fully sorted and back to peak. Add in Morton, KAF and LCP and I don't see much wrong there. I don't have a problem with Cav picking up cards - it's the same as McCormack, Bailey and others have done in that role - unfortunately, some refs will always try and exert authority over those types early on.

As others have said, fully expect Wood and Waldron to leave. I'd love to keep Bonne, I think he's come alive and fallen back in love with football and genuinely loves it here, but I don't know if we can with what space there is in the squad. For me, I'd see him and Charley as the main strike force. It's unfortunate about the contracts for the other two. A new proven goalscorer would be wonderful, but they're like the golden goose of lower leagues - pretty unattainable.

I haven't mentioned Jack Bridge so far, would love him to stay. I still think he has a lot to offer, and I think he's grown defensively this season. What we have to do is stop relying on him being the only outlet and accept that there are other game plans available - that stops him being under so much pressure to perform and from being criticised.

As signings go, I think I'd prefer Golding to Goodliffe on the whole, although I am grateful for the job that Goodliffe has done. I am intrigued about the GK situation, I prefer Collin to Nick, but curious as to how Kev sees this.

Good post and I agree with what you say about Taylor and I'll be amazed if he doesn't get pinched by another team, especially if (when?) his mate Gus does the off. Miley could be the answer, fully fit, but I feel we need another (better) Miley to cover and add some aggression - Morton isn't that player but offers something different with his passing skills.

We desperately need more pace and strength up top. Kendall is one I rate. Hopper should be a back up (sorry Tom). Bonne, well I love Macauley as I've stated many times. I feel maybe he's lost that real killer instinct he had at Orient, Ipswich etc. .. I can't fault his effort, he's a trier but we need someone more ruthless in front of goal. Walker shows glimpses but again, hasn't done it consistently enough.

 

[BEERMONSTER]

I should copyright my image!!

You should before some Git starts to tinker with it Seriously though it is one of those captured moments that says so much, brilliant

 

[bluethroughandthrough]

Ben is only 25 (26 shortly) so is a long way from the end of his career, his speed has been affected by the serious injuries he sustained earlier in his career, he is prone to the odd mistake but that is to be expected in most league two/National league defenders. I think his plus points outweigh the negatives, but it would be wise to play him alongside a central defender with pace. It will be interesting to see if he comes to you, goes elsewhere or comes back to us next season.

Sorry you're right was getting ages mixed up. Was more so the speed / positioning issues.
The problem is amplified I believe my playing 3 at the back. Taylor is not a trad CD but plays well as right of a 3 and the same goes for Ralph on the left. I'd argue that there isn't space of another CD with pace unless we play 4 at the back.

 

[blewbie]

Miley could and probably should have been sent off today, for another awful tackle.

Husin has one of his better games I thought, BUT he still hardly ever drove forward, instead spread the play more and used width well

However, both the two above highlight my problem with our current midfield. We lack creativity and penetration to release whoever is upfront.

So although my list is much the same as everyone else's of:

2 x CB, one with a bit of pace

Proper LWB

2 x Strikers - 1 an effective target man

2 midfielders - 1 a creative type and one an attacking goalscoring midfielder.

For me it is the midfield that is the key to enable us to kick on to the next level next season.

We need to be able to maintain possession, but drive forward, putting defences on the back foot and we simply don't do that enough at the moment. We are too slow and ponderous and that has to change, end of!

As soon as I saw Mileys name at start of the match I groaned “Red card” and I was nearly right. Every time he ****s it up

 

[OldBlueLady]

As soon as I saw Mileys name at start of the match I groaned “Red card” and I was nearly right. Every time he ****s it up

Very unfair.

 

[londonblue]

Getting so close to winning and ultimately losing could have a bigger detrimental effect on the players and management. We could end up mid table. No Devine right for promotion unfortunately. Definitely going to need a huge motivational speech from Kev and the boys.

Agreed, and that is where KM will earn his money. During the bad time 2 seasons ago he made sure no-one at the club felt sorry for themselves and made excuses. I have faith he'll do the same again.

 

[Streaky]

Postive intent from Justin (from BBC site). I have cut out some of the bits you already know


Updated 15 minutes ago
Southend United chairman Justin Rees says the club will target automatic promotion next season after losing to Oldham Athletic in the 2024-25 National League play-off final at Wembley.

The Shrimpers secured the last play-off spot on the final day of the campaign and then won away at Rochdale and Forest Green Rovers to reach the final.

"I woke up the next day really, really driven, it's only nine weeks to next season. That should tell us that if you want to play in big games, cup games, play-off games, the more of them you play, unfortunately you are going to taste agony sometimes," Rees told BBC Essex's Breakfast Show.

"We want to be back in that EFL. We should all be driven by this disappointment to attack next season and be chasing the top honours rather than jumping in there [the play-offs] on the final day."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lfsqwj

"We're all deflated but not devastated," said chief executive Tom Lawrence.

"If you'd said to me 12 months ago, would you take ending up at Wembley and just losing out in a play-off final - if you roll back 18 months we were a heartbeat away from going out of existence, so in the context of everything that's gone on, what the players, Kevin and the management team have achieved is just incredible.

"We'll be back in the office tomorrow to go again and start building for next season. We just need to grow and become stronger."

 

[NZamba Legend]

Postive intent from Justin (from BBC site). I have cut out some of the bits you already know


Updated 15 minutes ago
Southend United chairman Justin Rees says the club will target automatic promotion next season after losing to Oldham Athletic in the 2024-25 National League play-off final at Wembley.

The Shrimpers secured the last play-off spot on the final day of the campaign and then won away at Rochdale and Forest Green Rovers to reach the final.

"I woke up the next day really, really driven, it's only nine weeks to next season. That should tell us that if you want to play in big games, cup games, play-off games, the more of them you play, unfortunately you are going to taste agony sometimes," Rees told BBC Essex's Breakfast Show.

"We want to be back in that EFL. We should all be driven by this disappointment to attack next season and be chasing the top honours rather than jumping in there [the play-offs] on the final day."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lfsqwj

"We're all deflated but not devastated," said chief executive Tom Lawrence.

"If you'd said to me 12 months ago, would you take ending up at Wembley and just losing out in a play-off final - if you roll back 18 months we were a heartbeat away from going out of existence, so in the context of everything that's gone on, what the players, Kevin and the management team have achieved is just incredible.

"We'll be back in the office tomorrow to go again and start building for next season. We just need to grow and become stronger."

Great attitude

 

[Sandbach Shrimper]

Our priority should be the two ends of the pitch - a new no. 1 goalkeeper and a main striker. Get them right and we have the spine of a good team.

I think our defence and midfield are basically okay, could do with a bit more depth in defence and on the left. Given that we only have a handful of players out of contract, I don't expect the squad to change massively.

 

[BEERMONSTER]

Can't help but mull over the thought that one outcome from our surprise late run into play off contention and subsequent missing out might influence COSU's collective mindset around the recruitment budget, maybe coming that close that we could almost touch it so to speak, may lend itself to some adjusted figures in other areas of the financial control spreadsheet for next season?

Justin's comment's sound like I might get the outcome I was hoping for