Shrimperzone period drama - coming soon

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Episode 1 Southend United Building for the future 1929-30

What are we going to do for the next couple of months?

Now this isn’t for everyone (if it’s not for you please switch off now) but for those that like the historical stuff, coming soon to Shrimperzone in episode form is:

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30


This is a season that starts with financial problems (nothing new there then) it has highs and believe it or not, lows, it is a familiar story in an unfamiliar time and setting and it also features the reforming of the Supporters club

Each episode chronicles a week in this dramatic season, with match reports, Reserve reports, gossip, tables etc to give as a full an idea as possible of this long forgotten time. It features:

Ted Birnie as Manager, although from the North-East he was a loyal Southender, lived (and eventually died) in the town. Billy Moore in Goal, who loved nothing better than chatting with the fans behind the goal when the ball was down the other end. Dave Robinson at full back. Inside forwards of Dickie Donovan and Mickey Jones. While up front Jimmy Shankly was battling with Fred Baron for the No.9 spot. Added to this a squad of over 30 players, and a cast of thousands on the terraces

The venue is the Kursaal Ground, Southend, a ground which had become much loved but that was recovering from when greyhound racing had churned up the pitch. The dogs were gone the financial legacy remained.

The scene is set, live the season, week by week (all crammed into a couple of months) and feel free to add your comments, observations etc as the story unfolds.

P.S. Why 1929-30? Because I wanted to OK?

 

[OldBlueLady]

You know what, this made me think of Slipperduke's story he started a few seasons back, that was great stuff! Not quite sure this is the same type of thing, but happy to go with it!

 

[Westcliff Shrimper]

Looking forward to it. Any chance of the release date for the DVD? :winking:

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 1

SETTING THE SCENE

Southend United had entered the Football League in 1920 but had found life difficult both on the pitch and financially. In only their second season they finished bottom of Division Three (South) and had to apply for re-election. Ted Birnie was appointed manager in 1922, he was a shrewd man from the North East, but proved very loyal to the club and town and bit by bit started to lay the foundations of a successful team.

As a small club, it was always difficult to make ends meet and inevitably good players would be sold, and the venue for top cup ties transferred for cash. In 1927 Greyhound racing was introduced at the Kursaal which was initially seen as an enjoyable diversion from Football with a chance to have a legal flutter, but it also was a big attraction for “trippers” many who would attend the worse the wear through drink and were known to cause problems. Greyhound meetings were often held four times a week and the Kursaal being a tight enclosure meant the pitch and the track overlapped and the playing surface suffered. As the novelty wore off a certain amount of resentment from the football spectators ensued as the good Kursaal pitch became a mud bath in places. Obviously the financial gain was big to the club, but the football authorities were uneasy, feeling it brought football and betting too close. Eventually an ultimatum was issued to Southend (and other clubs) “stop dog racing or face expulsion from the League” he club had little choice’

UNITED MANAGEMENT TAKE POSSESSION
The directors of Southend United have taken possession of the Kursaal ground in order to comply with the Football League’s ban on Greyhound racing at the Kursaal. The last greyhound meeting was on Monday 9th July 1928, after which a meeting was held asking the football club to remove the ban, but shortly after midnight the Football club took possession of the ground locking and bolting the gates refusing admission to anyone. On legal advice the locks were changed and entrances bolted with four policemen in attendance.
From the Southend Standard 12th July 1928

Despite this financial loss the Directors took the bold step in 1928 of building a new stand on the West Stand of the Kursaal, similar size to the existing East stand, but this was for standing accommodation not seating for the first time the ordinary fan had cover. Season 1928-29 had been disappointing one an ultimatum by the club previously of “improve the gates or players will be sold” meant they started the season minus a couple of key players, but they did make one important signing that of Jimmy Shankly from Sheffield United. He scored 35 League and Cup goals during this season but the Blues still only finished mid-table. Shankly’s goal tally may sound impressive but by the harsh standards of the 1920s putting the ball in the net was not enough it was the manner they were scored Billy Hick had always been accused of scoring the easy goals not the clever ones and it was he who was transferred to make way for Shankly.

As season 1929-30 season approached then as now “hope springs eternal”.


SOUTHEND UNITED LOSE £800
Although the receipts of Southend United during the last season increased by nearly £1,000 the expenditure was correspondingly higher and the balance sheet which has just been issued to shareholders shows a loss on the year’s working of £803 0s 4d. The last financial statement showed a profit of £962 5s 10d. In spite of this loss the bank overdraft has been reduced from £1,267 15s 6d to £1,108 4s 7d. The balance in hand last year was largely due
to an amount of £738 received for the rent of the ground mainly from the greyhound racing concern. This year only £50 14s 5d was received for ground rent. Season tickets amounted to £177 against £835 4s 6d and the sale of programmes the responsibility for which was taken over by the Club brought in £605 10s 4d.
From the Southend Standard 15th August 1929

SOUTHEND UNITED’S ANNUAL MEETING
At the annual meeting of the club although the club had made a loss of £803, there was a spirit of optimism and confident anticipation for the coming season, as the balance sheet was accepted. Attention was drawn to the amount of expenditure of £476 8s 11d for ground maintenance, which was thought was a colossal amount,
and it was asked if this was incurred owing to the greyhounds being on the ground. The reply was that was a considerable amount of work needed to put right the ground after the greyhounds left, and the remainder was for continual upkeep. When asked if we were trying to gain compensation from the greyhounds, it was confirmed that they were under legal advice, but any benefit from this would come too late for the present balance sheet. It was also asked if there was any revenue from car parking at the ground, it was confirmed that a certain amount of revenue was received but this was included in the overall gate receipt amounts. The subject of “gate-crashers” was then raised, as Milkmen, and great deal of policemen and others appeared to walk in without paying. The club confirmed that it was a “devil’s own job” to stop people getting in without paying and every measure was taken and they also confirmed that thirty or forty free passes were issued to people who helped around the ground. The last issue raised was about the formation of a Supporters Club, at which the Chairman replied that he hadn’t really thought about before, bur provided it was handled in the right way it could be a good idea.


THE PLAYERS

The players from the previous season had largely been retained with the exception of Hugh Morris who had joined Newport and Jimmy Frew who had departed to Carlisle. The team was supplemented by several new players including four from Merthyr John Borland, Tom McKenna, John Bryant & Billy Crewe, signed from Yeovil and Peters United was Joe Campbell and John Armitage from Oldham. However three other signings were the most influential, Fred Barnett signed from Tottenham, Emlyn (Mickey) Jones and Bob Ward from Manchester United.

Goalkeepers: Billy Moore was entering his fifth season with the club with Tom McKenna as understudy.
Full Backs Jack French and Dave Robinson were first choices, supported by Tom Brophy & Bob Turnbull.
Centre Half John Armitage and Bob Ward were both new signings.
Half Backs Club captain Tom Dixon was supported by Jack Lloyd, Haydn Davies and local lad Joe Johnson.
Wingers Les Clenshaw had re-signed and was joined by new signings Fred Barnet and Tom Borland.
Inside Forwards Dickie Donoven and Jack Bailey had signed on and Mickey Jones also signed.
Centre Forward Jimmy Shankly was again competing with Fred Baron.

The biggest controversy was who to play at centre forward, Fred Baron entering his fourth season, after battling with Billy Hick was now in a similar struggle with Jimmy Shankly. Perhaps the club was lucky to have two such good goal getters, and perhaps they weren’t fully appreciated, it was basically a matter of personal choice.

PRE-SEASON


The players were back in training on Tuesday 6th August with Cricket matches being arranged as well as the usual two trial matches at the Kursaal. “The management of the United have not been idle during the close season. Work has been going on constantly at the ground with a view to making spectators as comfortable as possible and to provide a playing pitch second to none in Division 3.

A great part of the field has been re-turfed and the remainder reconditioned. In spite of the lack of water, the pitch has recovered well and should be in excellent trim for the opening. The stands have been renovated where necessary and the small enclosure in front of the pavilion has been improved considerably. The banking and the terracing have also received attention. In fact as much money as is economically possible has been spent on improvements”.
From the Southend Standard 8th August 1929

Southend had secured a full complement of twenty four professionals in preparation for the season, to be further supplemented by amateurs if necessary, and training was well under way as the following explains: “Actual football plays only a small parting the training and perhaps it is a good thing. The ground at present is in beautiful condition despite the drought. It would be a pity to subject it to wear and tear before the season starts. It is smooth and well-prepared as the top of a billiard table and does not show any wear from last season. Good sharp walks take place in the morning and sprinting in the afternoon, with drill ball punching and skipping in the gymnasium to follow. On Saturday morning however a short “kick-about” between two sides took place and those who were fortunate enough to be present had an excellent opportunity of forming an idea what sort of team Southend will be able to put into the field.”
From the Southend Standard 15th August 1929

Monday 19TH August 1929
The first Public Trial Match was played in front of crowd of about 3,000 who went home pleased in the knowledge that although the Club had lost £800 they had still brought in some good new signings. However by the end of the games they were no nearer any conclusion as the Probables (Blues) lost to the Possibles 2-3 (Stripes).

Saturday 24th August 1929
The second Public Trial match went a lot more to form and made the directors job of selecting the team a lot easier, the Probables scoring four goals in the first half and then added another in the second. A section of the crowd started to barrack Shankly after an early miss but he made amends later silencing his critics somewhat when he converted a penalty.

In the next episode:
The opening league match of the season: Saturday 31st August 1929 Southend United v Newport
And a second home match Monday 2nd September 1929 Southend United v Crystal Palace

 

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SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 2


THE SEASON STARTS

Div 3 (South) Match No. 1
Saturday 31th August 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 2-1 NEWPORT COUNTY
Newport had spent much of the previous season in the re-election spots but a late season rally had seen them finish in sixteenth place six points clear of danger. The pitch was bone hard and a large crowd assembled expecting an easy victory but Newport proved a “hard nut to crack”. In the early exchanges Jimmy Shankly was injured and afterwards he was not at his best, and it also saw the return of two former players in Goalkeeper Jimmy Maidment and Hugh Morris. Dickie Donoven was tripped in the box and from the penalty John Armitage gave the Blues the lead. Dickie Donovan scored the second with a neat header from a well placed corner from Fred Barnett. Five minutes into the second half Hugh Morris pulled one back for Newport. He had received a cordial reception from the Kursaal crowd and his fine goal received quite an ovation. Southend were clearly the superior side although in the closing minutes Newport could have drawn level. Team: Moore; French and Brophy; Dixon, Armitage and Campbell; Barnett, Jones, Shankly, Donoven and Clenshaw.

Spectators sitting in the grandstand were uncomfortably and although we have experienced many warm days on the opening of many seasons i cannot recall one quite so tropically hot as that of Saturday. It really was a unique spectatle to see so many of the male onlookers discard their jackets and waistcoats while dozens of thers wore flannels. One could only deeply sympathize with the players who had to be very lively and energetic for ninety minutes in a match most noticeable for its pace. For an opening match in glorioue wether the attendance was rather disappointing there being only about 8,000 present of which about 7,800 paid for admission.
From the Southend Standard 5th September 1929

Saturday 31st August 1929
Southampton Reserves 2-1 Southend United Reserves
London Combination:
The Junior Blues lost their opening game at Southampton 1-2 due to a hotly disputed goal. Fred Baron opened the scoring, Southampton equalised and then scored the controversial goal all in the first half, and that was the end of the scoring. Both sides were very evenly matches and a draw would have been a fair result.
Team: Mckenna; Lewis and Coulthard; Davis, Ward and Johnson; Coundon, Lloyd, Baron, Bryant and Borland.

Team Changes for the Palace match: Owing to injuries Robinson displaced Brophy and Baron came in at centre-forward for Shankly

Div 3(South) Match No. 2
Monday 2nd September 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 3-2 CRYSTAL PALACE
Crystal Palace had missed out on promotion on goal average and were generally expected to be in the running for promotion again. The game kicked off at 6.15, and there were quite a few Palace supporters present, two important team changes were made, Shankly still suffering the effects of his knock on Saturday was replaced by Baron, while Brophy was injured and replaced by Robinson. The game was evenly matched and played at a fast pace, Fred Baron gave Southend the lead, and then a free kick by Armitage was deflected into the Palace goal for Blues second. The Palace first goal was preceded by two remarkable saves by Moore in the Southend goal. There were many near misses at both ends but the half ended with a scoreline of 2-1. Donoven added the third when Barnett swung a cross over and Donoven literally threw himself at the ball to head past the keeper, the applause for this goal took some time to die down. A fourth goal was disallowed, before twenty two minutes from the end Palace pulled one back. The last minutes of the game were hectic with both sides trying to grab the advantage. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Armitage and Campbell; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donoven and Clenshaw.


All the Southend team did well but again Dixon and Donovan were outstanding, it is pleasing to see the latter reach top form once again. The chief weakness, in the \Southend attack, as on Saturday, was Clenshaw who was slow and unenterprising. French also failed too often to win his tackles to be really effective. Jones is very quick and accurate and is already a favourite of the crowd.
From the Southend Standard 5th September 1929.


Top of the League Table after the Palace game

........................Played.....F-A...Points
1......Southend.........2....5-3.... 4
2......Fulham............2....7-3.....3
3......Coventry..........2....5-3.....3
4......Merthyr............2....3-2.....3
5......Plymouth.........1.....2-0.....2
6......Watford...........1.....2-0.....2
7......Gillingham .......1.....1-0....2
8......Northampton....2.....2-1.....2


In the Next Episode Southend make their first away trip to Luton while the following Wednesday make the return visit to Palace. The reserves receive Luton at the Kursaal on Saturday and then again at home on the Wednesday to the Arsenal

 

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SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 3

STILL TOP OF THE LEAGUE

Div 3 (South) Match No. 3
Saturday 7th September 1929
LUTON TOWN 0-3 SOUTHEND UNITED
Luton finished season 1928-29 in seventh place which was disappointing as they had been the early season leaders, and seventh was the lowest position they held all season. Added to that Southend had played them in the First Round of the Cup, when they were at their peak, and had been thumped 1-5. It was another experimental team by Southend with John Borland making his debut and young Joe Johnson given his first start of the season, and it was Borland that gave Southend the lead from an acute angle. Luton were a determined side in the second half but it was inspiration that won the day when Borland, more aware than others grabbed his and Southend’s second Tragedy truck shortly afterwards when Tom Brophy playing one of the best games of his career fractured his right forearm, an injury bound to keep him out of the game for some time. The ten men were still inspired and Baron added a third ten minutes from time, and the superiority of the Blues in the last ten minutes, had to be seen to be believed and the Southend supporters returned home “well content”. Team: Moore; French and Brophy; Dixon, Armitage and Johnson; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donoven and Borland.

Luton is a place of bitter memories for Southend they had not won their since 1915, but Saturdays match filled the Southend supporters with amazement, but tinged with regret at the injury to Brophy. It is almost identical to an injury he sustained last year and is bound to keep him out of action foe some time. The management took prompt steps to try and fill the vacant position and at once advertised for another back.
From the Southend Standard 12th September 1929,

Saturday 7th September 1929
Southend United Reserves 0-1 Luton Town Reserves
London Combination
It was a very poor performance by the Reserves against Luton at the Kursaal, losing 0-1 after the fine displays by the Junior Blues this was a shock for the crowd, whose only excitement was when the half time and full time scores were announced from Dunstable Road. Luton did not deserve to win, but they one in spite of themselves, the winning goal wasn’t so much headed, but rolled off of the cranium and slowly crossed the line. Team; McKenna; Robinson and Coulthard; Davis, Ward and Crewe; Coundon, Bailey, Lloyd, J. Kleinmann and Clenshaw

In tropical weather it was a miserable match at the Kursaal as the standard of football was too bad to be true, and if crowds are to ne maintained at Combination matches the standard will have to improve considerably.
From the Southend Standard 12th September 1929,

Div 3(South) Match No. 4
Wednesday11th September 1929
CRYSTAL PALACE 1-2 SOUTHEND UNITED

Palace had started their season with a home draw with QPR, this was followed by defeat at the Kursaal and then followed that up with a win at Fulham and this mixed start left them in a deceiving eleventh place. The Glassmen had high hopes for the season and by the time the match kicked off there was a crowd of 10,000 inside the ground and within the opening minutes this had increased by another 2,000 to 3,000. As the teams came out huge roars went up for both sides and you would have thought that half the ground had come from the Borough of Southend. Both sides were very creditable the Blues being the faster and more skilful but Palace countered by being the more physical. Baron was the scorer of both Southend goals heading the first after 30 minutes. The win for the Blues kept them on top of the League with four straight wins, a feat matched in all four Divisions only by Burslem Port Vale.. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Armitage and Johnson; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donoven and Borland.

Southend United have commenced to make history when for the first time in the football League they have won their first four matches. A second win against Palace proved that the first win was no “flash in the pan”. The Blues were quicker on the ball and their forwards were speedier but they lacked the physique of their opponents whose extra weight made them difficult to dispossess.
From the Southend Standard 12th September 1929

Top of the League Table after four matches

........................Played.....F-A...Points
1......Southend.........4....10-4.... 8
2......Plymouth.........4....12-4.....7
3......Coventry.........4......9-4.....7
4......Northampton....4.... 6-2.....6
5......Bournemouth...4.....11-5.....5
6......Brentford.........4..... 7-4.....5

Wednesday 11th September 1929
]Southend United Reserves 0-4 Arsenal Reserves
London Combination.
Although well beaten by their very strong opponents, currently leading the Combination, the supporters saw a hugely improved performance than that against Luton. A shaky first ten minutes saw the Arsenal take a two goal lead but after this the Blues were unrecognisable. How they didn’t score at the start of the second half is a miracle, Lloyd hit the crossbar, Harvey had his shot saved at close range,Bryants effort hit a defender and Wards drive hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce out. As the Blues tired, Arsenal added two more goals. Team; McKenna; Lewis and Coulthard; Davis, Ward and Crewe; Coundon, Lloyd,Clenshaw,Bryant and Harvey.


In the next episode: Southend have two more home games against Bournemouth and Northampton can they maintain top spot? Meanwhile the reserves visit Swansea Town

 

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SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 4

THE SUPRISE PACKET OF THE DIVISION

Div 3(South) Match No. 5
Saturday 14th September 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 4-1 BOURNEMOUTH
Bournemouth were fifth in the League having won two, drawn one and lost one of their four games but their last two games had been home wins 3-0 against Exeter and 5-0 against Fulham The difference between a good side and a successful side is goals and this was the difference between these two sides, the game was a lot closer than the score suggests, but it’s goals that count. Billy Moore had a busy afternoon and pulled off some fine saves, and it seems incredible that Bournemouth hadn’t scored but Baron and Borland had netted for the Blues and they had a comfortable 2-0 lead at half time. A curling shot by Donovan added a third after the break, but Bournemouth replied making it 3-1 and they looked capable of pulling back the arrears. However Donovan settled the matter with a goal in the closing stages. Southend had recorded five straight wins to start the season, and pleased a good crowd approaching 9,800. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Armitage and Johnson; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donovan and Borland.

Top of the League Table after five matches

........................Played.....F-A...Points
1......Southend........5....14-5.... 10
2......Coventry.........5....11-4..... 9
3......Plymouth...... ..5....15-6.......9
4......Northampton...5.... .8-3..... 9
5......Brentford........4.....13-4..... 7
6......Brighton..........4.....11-5......6
7......Walsall............5.....10-6......6

SOUTHEND’S NEW RECORD – SMART WIN AGAINST BOURNEMOUTH
It should not be imagined that Southend did not play good football, but the Blues were somewhat of a mixture, brilliant one period, weary the next. Bournemouth in comparison, were grim and determined from start to finish, they were dour in defence and persistent in attack, they were steady and scientific. The summer heat has obviously suited the Blues, in the opening matches they have shown flashes of bewildering gaiety especially in the forward line. It seems too good to be true and not without reason have Southend been described as the surprise packet of the Division.
From the Southend Standard 19th September 1929.

Saturday 14th September 1929
Swansea Town Reserves 4-0 Southend United Reserves
London Combination:
Despite the Reserves losing a fourth successive Combination match at Swansea it was a much improved display. The Blues have a heavy injury list but when the invalids recover they should break away from their run of misfortunes and trouble the best in the London Combination. A newcomer W. Holcombe an amateur from Eastwood, an ex army player looked distinctly useful. At centre-forward was Mickey Porter, well known in Wednesday League circles, whilst not a giant of physique he showed he has a capital understanding of the game. Team; McKenna; Lewis and Coulthatd, W. Holcombe, Ward and Davis; Coudon, Lloyd, F. Porter, Bryant and Clenshaw.

Div 3(South) Match No. 6
Monday 16th September 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 1-2 NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Northampton were in fourth place, with four wins and one defeat, the four wins by either 2-0 or 2-1 and the one defeat at Merthyr by a single goal. The previous year they had launched a serious promotion challenge, being top for some time even three weeks before the end of the season. Records have to come to an end and Southend’s did against Northampton. It was an off day for the Blues and Northampton played them at their own game. The game was only thirteen minutes old when the Cobblers scored their first, and a second was added from long range not long after. Things did not look too good for the homesters but Baron pulled one back with a glorious shot, chances were at both ends but the score remained unchanged. Northampton took over top spot, Coventry second and Southend dropped to third place in the League, although all three clubs had ten points. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Armitage and Johnson; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donovan and Borland.

Top of the League Table after six matches

........................Played.....F-A...Points
1......Northampton.. 6....10-4.... 10
2......Coventry.........6....12-5.....10
3......Southend....... .6....15-7.....10
4......Plymouth.........5....15-6..... 9
5......Brentford........5.....14-5..... 8
6......Luton...............6....10-7...... 7

It was a disappointment to yet another large crowd but it was generally admitted that Southend played below their current form and that the better side won. There was however a strong doubt about the legitimacy of the first Northampton goal, for it seemed flavoured with offside. It is quite probable that the United were a trifle stale and leg weary, they certainly played like it. Injuries have taken a heavy toll on the players and the team have been called upon to participate in six strenuous games in the space of seventeen days on very hard grounds in sultry weather probably the most trying conditions ever experienced at the start of a football season .
From the Southend Standard 19th September 1929.

Goal scorers after six matches:
Baron 6; Donovan 4, Borland 3, Armitage 2 (15 in all)
Note Fred Baron had scored his six goals in five appearances and had also scored in the only goal the Reserves had scored.

In the next episode: Can the Blues bounce back from defeat, in two more difficult games away at Walsall and at home to QPR

 

[chelmo]

im loving this pls keep it going

 

[DoDTS]

im loving this pls keep it going

Certainly will, right to the end of the season, glad your enjoying it!
However be warned this is Southend United so things won't run as smoothly as the season unfolds.
A bit like now really!

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 5

DESTINED FOR HIGHER CIRCLES?

Div 3(South) Match No. 7
Saturday 21st September 1929
WALSALL 1-3 SOUTHEND UNITED
Walsall were in tenth place although they had only played two of their six games at home, beating QPR 4-0 but losing to Northampton 1-2. The previous season was Walsall’s first season in the Southern Section and they had been mid table all season. The team travelled up to Birmingham by train and then on to Walsall by motor coach. The Blues attacked with the wind behind them, and Dickie Donovan scored early on for the Blues and they then started to dominate the play. Behind the goal was just the laundry protected by a twenty foot high wire fence, yet twice the blues managed to shoot the ball over the net. The second goal was scored by Mickey Jones after fifteen minutes to give the Blues a 2-0 lead. This seemed to wake Walsall up and they started to have more of the game. With the changeover at half time, the Midlanders with the wind behind them had the advantage and pulled a goal back, but Baron added a third and Walsall never looked like catching up the arrears after that. The United moved above Northampton who lost at Fulham, to second place behind Coventry. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Ward and Campbell; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donovan and Borland.

TABLE AFTER SEVEN GAMES

..............................P....F – A....P
1....Coventry..........7...15.-.6....12
2....Southend..........7...18.-,8....12
3....Plymouth..........6...16.-.7...10
4....Northampton....7...10.-.5....10
5....Bournemouth....7...19.-.11.. 9
6....Brentford..........6....15.-.7... 8
7....Fulham ............7....10.-.10..8


It was satisfactory to note that the temporary setback experienced against Northampton on the previous Monday did not affect the confidence of the team. They showed another quality against Walsall, the ability to adapt to the conditions. In beating Walsall they have beaten another record, for never before have the wearers of the blue jerseys won three games in succession on foreign soil and also they have never before, in either Third Division or Southern League days have they obtained twelve out of a possible fourteen points. This is certainly Championship form, and if they can maintain anything like this ratio they are bound to reach their goal. It is of course very, very early in the season to indulge in such fond anticipations but the present form of the United is very encouraging and not the least hopeful sign is the fact that the team have done better away from home than on their own enclosure. An Overseas supporter wrote from Toronto, Canada “Let us hope that dear old United will step out this season and reach higher circles”.
From the Southend Standard 26th September 1929

For the first time since the start of the season Southend did not have a mid-week League match. This was a time before television was available for most people, therefore watching live football was a big part of their social activities. Not many would have travelled to Walsall, admission was cheap but travel expensive, and for many who worked in the City their working week would include Saturday Mornings. Home games when light permitted would kick-off at 3.30, to give the City worker time to get back to Southend, go home and have a hot meal (you could not expect a working man to watch football on an empty stomach) and then get along to the Kursaal. For those that didn’t go to Walsall they could always catch a top match in London. On Saturday 21st September 1929 they had the choice of:

In the first Division Arsenal were second in the table with Derby top and Middlesbrough third but they were playing away, however West Ham were at home to table toppers Derby, (West Ham won 2-0)

Meanwhile in the Second Division Tottenham were at home to Bury (ended 2-2) Chelsea and Charlton were also in the second Division but both away, while Millwall pointless after five matches and bottom of the table broke their duck with a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at the Den.

The other five London sides were in the Third (South). Oldham lead the second Division from Reading and Hull while in the Third Division (North) Port Vale were top from Stockport and Rochdale.

Saturday 21st September 1929
Southend United Reserves 2-1 Cardiff City Reserves
London Combination
The Junior Blues won their first game of the season beating Cardiff at the Kursaal the Welshmen were down to ten men after former Southend player Bill Thirlaway was taken to Victoria Hospital with concussion, (although he returned to the ground before the end). Jimmy Shankly scored the winner, just before the end, after many spectators had already left the ground. McKenna was reliable in goal, the backs were moderate, Johnson at centre-half had a hard game , Davis was a goo d tackler but spoilt his exhibition by poor feeding, Coundon and Lloyd were outstanding in attack. It was learned after the match that Shankly had been taken ill on Saturday morning but insisted on playing to make up the team. Crewe was also far from well. Team; McKenna; Lewis and Coulthatd, Davis, Johnson and Crewe; Coudon, Lloyd, Shankly, Bryant and Clenshaw


Wednesday 25th September 1928
Arsenal Reserves 5-1 Southend United Reserves
London Combination: The Junior Blues played leaders Arsenal at Highbury but lost 1-5.

In the next Episode; Can the Blues continue their fine form when they take on Queens Park Rangers at the Kursaal

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 6

STILL SECOND!


Div 3 (South) Match No. 8
Saturday 28th September 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 1-0 QUEENS PARK RANGERS
QPR were another side that had been serious promotion contenders in the season just past, but they were struggling to find their form in the current campaign, with two wins three draws two defeats resulting in a twelfth placing. The game kicked off at 3.30 with a large presence of Rangers spectators, and it started well for the Blues when Dickie Donovan put the Blues in front after only three minutes, converting a corner from Fred Barnett. There were nearly 11,000 spectators present and they settled down for a prolific goal scoring game but it was not to be. The game was below par of the standard expected, Rangers rarely troubled Moore but with only a one goal lead it wasn’t until the final whistle that the Blues could guarantee both points. Southend had won seven out of eight games, but had to be content with second place to Plymouth who had scored one more goal. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Armitage and Campbell; Barnett, Jones, Shankly, Donoven and Borland.

TABLE AFTER EIGHT GAMES

..............................P....F – A....P
1....Plymouth..........8...20.-.8....14
2....Southend..........8...19.-.8....14
3....Northampton.....8...14.-.5...12
4....Brentford..........8...18.-.8....12
5....Coventry...........8...15.-.8,.. 12
6....Bournemouth....8....21.-.11..10
7....Brighton...........8....17.-.10..10


After a keenly fought match fought with the dourness of a cup-tie, Southend gained their seventh victory in eight engagements and some onlookers seemed to be of the opinion they were lucky, but I do not subscribe to that view. The homesters were superior throughout and the superiority was most marked in the second half when the Blues forwards exhibited some excellent football but were unable to finish it off. It became more and more apparent as the game progressed that Shankly, aggressive and eager as ever, did not fill the role of centre-forward with the same success as did Baron. The last named was selected to play but was unwell and Shankly was called in. To date United, along with Port vale of the Northern Section, have a record in all four divisions of having recorded seven victories. Yet they are denied the top position as Plymouth, have recorded six victories and two draws, and have scored one more goal.
From the Southend Standard 3rd October 1929

Saturday 28th September 1929
Queens Park Rangers Reserves 4-4 Southend United Reserves
London Combination:
The Junior Blues seemed to be heading for a certain defeat when 1-4 down at Queens Park Rangers with little time to go, when Clenshaw scored direct from a corner, then Coundon tapped into an empty net and then Bailey scored the fourth and equalising goal, barely seconds before the referee blew his whistle to end the game. Team; McKenna; Crewe and Plunkett Davis, Ward and Johnson; Coudon, Bailey, Bryant, Lloyd and Clenshaw


COMBINATION TABLE

..............................P....F – A....P
16....Millwall.............8...15.-.16....6
17....West Ham.........6...16.-. 17...6
18....Charlton............6.....6.-.13...6
19....Luton................6...17.-.18...4
20....Crystal Palace....8....16.-.29.. 4
21....Brighton............9....10.-.34..3
22....Southend..........7......8.-.23..3


SUPPORTERS CLUB
I hear that things are progressing to the formation of a strong Supporters Club and that an announcement by the chief movers can be expected shortly. Already an interview has been arranged with the directors in order to obtain their benediction and support. One of the features of the formation of the Supporters Club is that in no way will it interfere with the management of the club or the selection of the teams. This is starting on the right lines for it is obvious that no such interference could be tolerated. One of the main objects of the club will be to help the directors financially and arrange social functions.
From the Southend Standard 3rd October 1929.

Excursions were being run to Fulham with a special train leaving Shoebury at 1.00 Thorpe Bay 1.04 Southend 1.15 Westcliff 1.20 Leigh 1.26 and Benfleet 1.34 arriving Fenchurch Street 2.21 or travel by Charabanc with the Westcliff Motor Company leaving from Pier Hill at 12.30 for 4s (20p) return .

In the next episode Blues travel to Craven Cottage, Fulham can they maintain their exceelent start?

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 7

ALTHOUGH BADLY HANDICAPPED SOUTHEND SHARE THE POINTS WITH FULHAM

Div 3(South) No. 9
Saturday 5d October 1929
FULHAM 2-2 SOUTHEND UNITED
So Southend were proudly in second place in the League, and where were Fulham only ninth, so why were Southend underdogs? Fulham were a bigger club, proved by the attendance on the day of 21,578 which was more than the Blues had ever been able to muster The Cottagers had only played three of their eight games at home, winning one, drawing one and losing one. The game started with Fulham dominant pushing forward trying to gain an early lead, but paid the price after only seven minutes when Dickie Donovan opened the scoring for Southend. Fate played a big part in this game when John Armitage the Southend centre half was badly injured with a knee injury after only fifteen minutes although he did return briefly as a “passenger” the Blues had to play with ten men for the last hour of the game. This injury likely to keep Armitage out of the side for some weeks came as bitter blow so soon after losing Brophy in the game against Luton. While down to ten men Fred Baron charged down a clearance and went on to score a second for the Blues, who had come into the game a lot more and were causing the Cottagers a lot of problems. The score remained 0-2 at half time. Despite being two goals up, being down to ten men was a big handicap, and also luck was against them. Fulham pulled a goal back after clearly handballing the ball to bring it under control, everybody saw it except the referee. Even the biased London Press acknowledged that the goal was not legitimate. Inevitably Fulham went on to score a second, but the ten men bravely hung until the final whistle, to claim a well-deserved point. This result kept Southend in second place but they were now a point behind Plymouth who were still unbeaten, winning seven and drawing two of their nine games. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Armitage and Campbell; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donovan and Borland.

TABLE AFTER NINE GAMES

..............................P....F – A....P
1....Plymouth..........9...23.-…8...16
2....Southend..........9...21.-.10...15
3....Northampton.....9...17.-..6...14
4....Brentford...........9...20.-..9...14
5....Coventry...........9...20.-.10…14
6....Bournemouth....9...23.-.13...12
7....Brighton...........9...19.-.15…11


BRAVO THE BLUES!
NO LUCK BUT PLUCK
A GREAT STRUGGLE AT FULHAM.
If sympathy could have counted for anything ain the match at Craven Cottage the Blues would have won, but because no amount of encouragement from supporters can take the place of a centre half Blues had to be content with a point. The Cottagers had the encouragement of a goal that should never have been even the representatives of the London Press admitted that the goal was illegitimate . Though Southend protested vigorously the referee even refused to consult a linesman. It certainly was a splendid performance to return home with a point in such circumstances. The star turn of the match was undoubtedly Moore’s fine performance in goal. Time and again he saved in confident style although there was no unnecessary spectacular show about his play. He was swift on the ball and swift to clear and the game he played was one of the best in his career with Southend.
From the Southend Standard 10th October 1929.

Saturday 5th October 1929
Southend United Reserves 3-2 Fulham Reserves
London Combination
The junior Blues put on an excellent performance in front of between 2,000 to 3,000 spectators, from being 0-2 to Fulham at the Kursaal they recovered well for the second week running in as winners by 3-2. Shankly pulled the first one back half a minute from half time, Ward headed the equaliser four minutes after the restart and Shankly scored the winner towards the end of the game. Team: McKenna; Coulthard and Plunkett; Crewe, Ward and Johnson; Coundon, Bailey, Shankly, Bryant and Clenshaw.

Football enthusiasm is very high for the United in the borough at the present time and the crowd at Fulham included 2,000 to 3,000 Southenders. The L.M.S. ran a special train to Fulham, which was well patronised, and two local motor companies ran fifteen or sixteen charabancs while City men went to Craven Cottage straight from business and there were many private cars and motor cycles from Southend.
From the Southend Standard 10th October 1929.

In the next episode; Blues take on Norwich at the Kursaal, can they maintain their excellent start?

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 8

INJURIES START TO TAKE THEIR TOLL

Div 3(South) No. 10
Saturday 12th October 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 1-1 NORWICH CITY.
Norwich were thirteenth in the table having only gained one point from four travels, that being their first away match of the season at Luton, since defeats at Brighton 3-6, Crystal palace 2-3 and Northampton 0-4 had followed. The first half of this game was insipid and uninspiring to the good crowd of 9,000 that were in attendance expecting to see more goals from the high flying United. However it was another game hugely influenced by injuries when after half an hour Tom Dixon wrenched a knee and was either off the field or playing as a passenger at the outside left position. So the injury list was growing with Brophy and Armitage as long term injuries, and also John Borland was injured for this match. Norwich took the lead after twenty eight minutes after a misunderstanding in the Southend defence, Dixon was injured minutes later. The injury for the second week running seemed to take the fire out of the team and a silence prevailed over the Kursaal crowd. The injury had meant that the side had to be reorganised with all attacking options coming through the right wing or the centre. In the second half Southend had much of the play but never really tested the goalkeeper John Jarvie (ex Southend) until Fred Baron headed the equaliser in the closing Stages. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Ward and Campbell; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donoven and Clenshaw.

TABLE AFTER TEN GAMES

..............................P....F – A....P
1....Plymouth..........10...25.-….9...18
2....Northampton.....10...20.-...7...16
3....Brentford..........10...23.-..10...16
4....Southend..........10...22.-..11...16
5....Coventry...........10...21.-..13…14
6....Bournemouth.... 10...23.-.13...13
7....Brighton............10...22.-.17…13

The failure to win on Saturday was a big disappointment to the crowd but injuries are playing a big part in impeding the progress of the eleven at a critical time. Brophy, Armitage and Borland were placed hors de combat prior to the fixture against Norwich and then came the injury to Dixon, the skipper, who wrenched a knee about fifteen minutes into the match and for the second week in succession they had to wage a struggle for an hour of the ninety with practically ten men. Southend started the contest as if they would easily for they displayed neat football and the Norwich goal had some narrow escapes in the opening quarter of an hour As the half progressed , although the Blues played well their was an absence of dash and thrust fullness, erratic finishing and poor passing frittered away many chances. The Blues did nearly all the attacking in the second half but the Norwich defence was very sound and they held out. On the run of plaw however a draw was afir result.
From the Southend Standard 17th October 1929

Saturday 12th October 1929
Reading Reserves 0-2 Southend United Reserves
London Combination:
Reading had an experienced side playing against a make shift Southend side with amateurs drafted in, but Jimmy Shankly headed the Blues into the lead. Reading were awarded a penalty and after some undignified scenes shot well wide. Jack Lloyd added another to secure a 2-0 win over the Biscuitmen, the Junior’s fourth match unbeaten took them up to seventeenth position. Team; McKenna; Plunkett and Coukthard; Davis, Holcombe and Crewe; Lloyd, Bryant, Shankly, Bailey and L. Harvey


COMBINATION TABLE

..............................P....F – A....P
16....Watford.............9...14.-.17....7
17....Southend...........9...13.-.25....7
18....Cardiff..............11...21.-.25...6
19....Luton................9... 20.-.19...,6
20....Millwall..............8....15.-.19.. .6
21....Brighton...........11...17.-.26....6
22....Crystal Palace....10...17.-.36..,4

The Reserves gained a surprising victory over Reading Reserves and what is more they thoroughly deserved it. With a depleted side even the most optimistic hardly expected the local lads to defeat the more fancied biscuitmen. After starting the season with four straight defeats they have now been putting in some excellent performances. Among the results given on Saturday Reading were wrongly given as winners.
From the Southend Standard 17th October 1929


In the next Episode: Torquay visit the Kursaal can Blues get back to winning ways?

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 9

ONLY A POINT! - WEAK HALF BACK LINE

Div 3(South) Match No. 11
Saturday 19th October 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 1-1 TORQUAY UNITED
Torquay were having a poor season, which started with four straight defeats which left them at the bottom of the table, they had recovered a little and were now nineteenth obtaining just two draws from their six away games. The good news was that John Borland was back from injury and the Kursaal crowd were glad at the prospect of playing with eleven men, although key players were still missing. Anticipation turned to gloom when after only fifteen minutes a mix up in the Southend defence gave Torquay a one goal lead. Baron whose reputation was growing was closely marked but ten minutes after the Torquay goal he headed an equaliser. The game after this was relatively tame, Southend probably deserved a win but it was yet another disappointment in front of the home crowd. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Davies, Ward and Campbell; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donoven and Borland.

TABLE AFTER ELEVEN GAMES

..............................P....F – A....P
1....Plymouth..........11...25.-..10...19
2....Northampton.....11...21.-...8...17
3....Southend..........11...23.-..12...17
4....Brentford..........11...23.-..12...16
5....Boscombe.........11...26.-..16…16
6....Coventry…........11...23.-.16...14
7....Brighton............11...24.-.19…14

The absence of some of the United’s best defenders and constructive players made spectators appreciate their value, for the weakened team could only draw with Torquay and it was not a game of outstanding merit. Frequently there is a diversity of opinion among supporters as to the cause of a team’s failure to win, but on Saturday there was practically unanimity that the reason for the lack of success for the United was the weakness of the half-back line. The Southend trio failed in most of the essential functions required of them. There was no connecting link between the intermediate men and the vanguard, no co-operation and no back up. They hit the ball without direction and oblivious to the needs of the men in front of them. As a consequence that confidence and combined style which gained them so brilliant a victory over Boscombe, had sad to relate, quite disappeared. Baron strived with all his might but his reputation is becoming such that he is always very closely watched these days and given little freedom.
From the Southend Standard 24th October 1929

Saturday 19th October 1929
Watford Reserves 5-1 Southend United Reserves
London Combination:
After three wins on the trot the Junior Blues tasted defeat at Vicarage Road where Watford won by 1-5. Tom Lloyd scored early for Southend, but poor defending gifted the Brewerymen three goals before the break, afterwards the Blues never looked capable of pulling the game round and Watford added another couple.Team; McKenna; Coulthard and Clenshaw; Crewe, Holcombe and Johnson; Coundon Bailey, Shankly, Bryant and Lloyd.

LONDON COMBINATION TABLE

..............................P....F – A....P
16....Watford.............9...14.-.17....7
17....Southend...........9...13.-.25....7
18....Cardiff..............11...21.-.25...6
19....Luton................9... 20.-.19...6
20....Millwall..............8....15.-.19...6
21....Brighton...........11...17.-.26...6
22....Crystal Palace....10...17.-.36...4

Southend Reserves hardly deserved to be beaten so heavily The home team held a slight advantage in dash and penetrative power and these are the two main assets in success. From a purely scientific point of view Southend provided the better entertainment but much of their finishing was faulty and at times they passed too much and frittered away the chance.
From the Southend Standard 24th October 1929


McCLELLAND FOR PRESTON
McClelland the old United centre forward who was transferred to Middlesbrough and subsequently assisted Bolton Wanderers to win the F.A. Cup last April was on Thursday transferred to Preston North End. He played for that club against Blackpool on Saturday.
From the Southend Standard 24th October 1929

QUARTERLY REVIEW
With a quarter of the season gone, Blues had won seven, drawn three and lost one match but good as it might sound still found themselved in third place. Only the Champions of the Division were promoted and Plymouth who held that spot were still undefeated with eight wins and three draws. Southend had started in the heat of the summer as the surprise package of the division, and the end of September had boasted seven out eight successes but the injury toll was starting to take effect and three successive draws had hit their confidence.

In the next episode: Blues make the long trip to Merthyr Town to try and get back to winning ways

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 10

BOTH FORTUNATE AND UNLUCKY

Div 3(South) Match No. 12
Saturday 26th October 1929
MERTHYR TOWN 2-2 SOUTHEND UNITED
Times were hard in South Wales, Aberdare had already fallen out of the League, and Merthyr were struggling at the bottom. They had played ten games three at home seven away only gaining five points in the process, at home they had won their only game 1-0 against Northampton, drawn against Bristol Rovers and lost against Clapton Orient. The game started with Merthyr being surprised how ineffective Southend were and the only surprise was that the Welshmen were only leading by one goal at half time. The second half started in much the same vein until after about twenty minutes when Jack Bailey sent in a shot which the Merthyr goalkeeper couldn’t hold. This inspired the Blues and Baron beat the keeper to the ball to secure the lead, and this it how it looked like it would finish, in fact many spectators had already left the ground when Merthyr scored a late equaliser, to gain a deserved point. (After this draw Merthyr rose to 21st in the League, they dropped to bottom the following week and stayed their till the end of the season and then were not re-elected). Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Davies, Ward and Donoven; Barnett, Bailey, Baron, Jones and Borland.

TABLE AFTER TWELVE GAMES

..............................P....F – A....P
1....Plymouth..........12...30.-..11...21
2....Brentford…......12...26.-..12...18
3....Southend..........12...25.-..14...18
4....Northampton....12...21.-..10...17
5....Boscombe.........12...27.-..16…16
6....Brighton…........12...26.-..19...14
7....Coventry...........12...25.-..19…14

In the same breath you could say that Blues were both fortunate and unlucky to draw at Merthyr. They were thoroughly outplayed in the first half and were fortunate to only conceded one goal while in the second moiety they seemed to have gained both points. However another draw was disappointing as they fall behind leaders Plymouth Argyle who are the visitors in the next match at the Kursaal. Plymouth have been extremely unfortunate in recent seasons and they are ably led by Mr. Bob Jack, the first player manager for Southend, who still has many friends in the Southend area. A victory for Southend will not wrest the leadership from Plymouth, but it will bring the Essex club to much closer grips with them. On the other hand victory for the visitors will greatly enhance their position
From the Southend Standard 31st October 1929

Saturday 26th October 1929
Southend United Reserves 1-3 Coventry City
London Combination:
The Junior Blues slipped to another defeat losing at the Kursaal by a score of 1-3, the were no excuses Coventry were the better side, the reserves had been forced to make a lot of changes with first teamers injured, and players being promoted to the senior side inevitably the second string suffered. Team; McKenna; Coulthard and Clenshaw; Crewe, Johnson and Campbell; Turbard, Porter, Shankly, Lloyd and Condon .

LONDON COMBINATION TABLE

..............................P....F – A....P
16....Watford...........11..20.-.20...9
17....Cardiff.............12..23.-.25...8
18....Luton..............11..23.-.25...8
19....Southend.........11..17.-.32...7
20....Millwall............11..16.-.29...7
21....Brighton..........11..17.-.26...7
22....Crystal Palace...10..17.-.36…5

SUPPORTERS CLUB
In the Club programme on Saturday notices as to the formation of the club and its objects will be distributed and it is hoped to start with a thousand members. It is probable that a number of social functions will be arranged a public meeting will be held shortly to give the project a good send off, at which it is hoped the mayor will preside.
From the Southend Standard 31st October 1929


In the next episode: Top of the table Plymouth visit the Kursaal

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 11

OUTRAGE AT REFEREE’S DECISION

Div 3(South) No. 13
Saturday 2nd November 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 1-1 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Plymouth were outstanding this season, nine wins three draws, no defeats, and these included a 5-0. 4-1 and 3-0 but generally their results were consistent rather than spectacular. They were three points clear at the top above Brentford in second place and Southend in third. Plymouth had won their first five away games but drawn their last one 1-1 at Northampton. In attendance was a crowd of over 11,000 no fewer than 10,966 paying for admission on the day, and the main grandstand had never seemed so full. The game came to life in the second half when an attack from Plymouth towards the Woodgrange Drive end resulted in a shot which Billy Moore saved two or three yards from his goal line and put out for a corner. There was no appeal for a goal and the Plymouth players went to take the corner, when amazingly the referee signalled a goal, He was besieged by the Southend players but he refused to consult the linesman and the goal stood. Even the Plymouth players who hadn’t appealed didn’t indulge in the usual practice of shaking each other’s hands after the goal was given, even the occupants of two saloon coaches which had come all the way from Plymouth were likewise bemused. Sections of the crowd became very hostile, especially behind the Woodgrange Drive end and every time Plymouth got anywhere near the Southend penalty they shouted “Goal”. Some consolation came when after good work by Jack French he passed to Fred Baron who scored a grand equaliser. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Davies, Ward and Donoven; Barnett, Bailey, Baron, Jones and Borland.

UNLUCKY PLUCKY SOUTHEND
The hero of the match Jack French who besides being a tower of strength in defence, daintily danced the ball past the Plymouth forwards…..and half backs…..then with a snap of his fingers in true Spanish fashion at the back……he passed to the ever energetic Baron who made no mistake with a grand equalising goal,…..Billy Moore and friends telling the referee that Plymouth didn’t score……After cheering himself hoarse, supporter on Saturday evening telling his wife about the match in deaf and dumb language.
From a cartoon by Stan Harvey that appeared in the Southend Standard 7th November 1929

SUPPORTERS PROTESTS
We have received many letters from Supporters of the Club protesting against the referee, showing how strong the feeling is in this matter. All agree with the unanimous expression of opinion in the press that no goal was scored. As however the referee’s decision is final, no good purpose can be accomplished in their publication. Mr. Cliff Lester has sent a communication to the Football Association giving the facts, but I would point out that if he desired to accomplish anything he should have communicated with the Football League and not the Football Association.
From the Southend Standard 7th November 1929.

TABLE AFTER THIRTEEN GAMES

..............................P....F – A....P
1....Plymouth..........13...31.-..12...22
2....Southend..........13...26.-..15...19
3....Brentford….....13...27.-..14...18
4....Boscombe........13...31.-..17…18
5....Brighton….......13...29.-..20...18
6....Northampton....13...27.-..13...17
7....Walsall..............14...27.-..22…15
8....Fulham..............13...22.-..20…15

Saturday 2nd November 1929
Brentford Reserves 4-2 Southend United Reserves
London Combination:
The Junior Blues were at Griffin Park to play Brentford and lost 2-4, the game was memorable for an experiment which had Jimmy Shankly playing at Centre Half at which he did well and two young Tilbury brothers playing by the name of Le May, the youngest of whom was only 17. The reserves were in 20th place in the league with just Brighton and Palace below them. Team: Mckenna; Coulthard and Clenshaw; D. Le May, Shankly and Johnson; F. Le May, Lloyd, Coundon, Bryant and Campbell.

LONDON COMBINATION TABLE

..............................P....F – A....P
17....Cardiff.............13..27.-.27.10
18....Luton...............12..25.-.28...8
19....Millwall............12..18.-.28...8
20....Southend..........12..19.-.36...7
21....Brighton...........14..22.-.34...7
22....Crystal Palace...13..19.-47…5

SUPPORTERS CLUB
In the programme on Saturday were bills inviting followers to join the proposed Supporters Club. It is to be hoped that all those who wish to join will immediately communicate with the Hon. Secretary. It would have been more convenient if the bills had contained application forms for membership but no doubt those interested will drop a line to the Hon. Secretary.
From the Southend Standard 7th November 1929

In the next episode: After five draws in a row can Blues break the habit at Swindon

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 12

PROMOTION MY GRANDMOTHER!

Div 3(South) No. 14
Saturday 9th November 1929
SWINDON TOWN 5-1 SOUTHEND UNITED
Swindon were having an unimpressive mid table season, their last match had resulted in a 1-5 defeat at Exeter, while Southend were in second place despite five successive draws, and had still only lost one game all season. Sometimes you need bringing back to reality and this was just one of those occasions, Swindon were superior in all departments against a United side thought to be the strongest for some weeks. The Railwaymen soon got the measure of the Southend side and the goals soon followed the first goal came after several sparkling raids down the left wing and was shortly followed by a second although it had a hint of offside, and a third was added before the interval. The second half followed in much the same fashion and the Blues only reply was a lone goal by Fred Baron. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Davies, Ward and Donoven; Barnett, Bailey, Baron, Jones and Borland.

TABLE AFTER FOURTEEN GAMES

.................................P....F – A…...P
1....Plymouth..........14...37.-..13...24
2....Brentford..........14...29.-..15...20
3....Bournemouth....14...32.-..17...20
4....Northampton....14...25.-..15…19
5....Brighton….........14...30.-..21...19
6....Southend..........14...27.-..20...19
7....Coventry...........14...28.-..22…16

“Promotion my Grandmother! That will show what we think of their chances of going up to the Second Division” remarked one Swindon supporter after the match on Saturday. The seasiders lost their unbeaten away certificate in no uncertain manner and on a day when the eleven was considered to be stronger than for some weeks past. A defeat was not unexpected but the severity of it by five goals to one came as somewhat of a shock to supporters. It is a reminder that the season is not far off reaching the half way mark as the draw for the first round of the F.A. Cup is fixed for next Tuesday
From the Southend Standard on the 14th November 1929

Saturday 9th November 1929
Southend United Reserves 2-2 Clapton Orient Reserves
London Combination:
The Junior Blues were at the Kursaal against Clapton Orient and the game ended in a draw of 2-2. From the very first minute it was clear that Jimmy Shankly was going to be closely watched by the Orient defenders and during the match he needed attention from the trainer on four occasions. The Southend goals were scored by Lloyd and Campbell. Team: McKenna; Coulthard and Clenshaw; Crewe, Holcombe and Campbell; F Le May, Bailey, Shankly, Lloyd and Coundon .

This game saw the re-appearance of Mr. Fred Le May - much to the embarrassment of the Orients defence - Les Clenshaw, the cricketing, Snookering, Footballer played soundly at left-back - the Clapton goalie who looked so peeved with the referee gave Southend a penalty - everyone thought he was going to lose his temper - I believe that had the referee given another penalty against him he would have hanged himself from the cross-bar.
From a cartoon by Stan Harvey that appeared in the Southend Standard on the 14th November 1929

LONDON COMBINATION TABLE

16....Reading
17....Luton
18....Charlton
19....Millwall
20....Southend
21....Brighton
22....Crystal Palace

SUPPORTERS CLUB MEETING
It is t be hoped that all those followers of the Club who desire to see the proposed Supporters Club a success will make a great effort to attend the meeting called for Saturday evening at 7 o’clock. It is hoped that the Mayor will preside and other councillors attend. It is hoped that men followers of the club will also take with them their wives and Lady friends and that those ladies who regularly attend the matches will be present. The subscription is a shilling (5p) per annum.
From the Southend Standard 14th November 1929

In the next episode: Brighton & Hove Albion visit the Kursaal while the Reserves take on Chelsea Reserves at Stamford Bridge

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 13

YET ANOTHER DRAW

Div 3(South) No. 15
Saturday 16th November 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 0-0 BRIGHTON & HOVE
Brighton in fifth place, were above Southend in sixth place, but only on goal average by 0.08 of a goal, both clubs on nineteen points five points behind leaders Plymouth but just one point behind Brentford in second place. Brighton’s strength was their home record where they had gained fifteen points out of a possible sixteen, away they had only won one and drawn two of their six away games. In appalling conditions Southend and Brighton played out a goalless draw, but Brighton with their stronger physique had the best of the game and had half a dozen chances when they should have scored. Southend played better against the wind and had three or four good chances themselves, but in all it was a “ragged display and an unconvincing exhibition”. The contest was remarkably cleanly fought, there was not a dirty foul at all and not more than three or four free kicks for fouls throughout. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Ward and Davies; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donoven and Borland.

TABLE AFTER FIFTEEN GAMES

.................................P....F – A…...P
1....Plymouth..........15...38.-..14...25
2....Brentford..........15...30.-..16...21
3....Bournemouth....15...33.-..18...21
4....Northampton…..15...26.-..16…20
5....Brighton……......15...30.-..21...20
6....Southend…..…...15...27.-..20...20
7....Fulham…...........15...24.-..21…18

After the fog of Friday, rain and sleet fell incessantly on Saturday, accompanied by half a gale. The downpour of the morning was followed by driving sleet after lunch and the conditions were damp, cold, miserable and depressing It was therefore perhaps not to be wondered at that the attendance at the Kursaal for the United’s home fixture against Brighton fell from about 11,000 a fortnight previously against Plymouth to about 3,000, the majority of whom crowded in the grandstand, only a few scores being bold enough to take up their positions on the slopes.

The United supporters have become used to a division of the points of late for this was their fourth successive draw at the Kursaal. The Southend supporters are hungering for another win, not since 28th September a matter of seven weeks has the local club obtained two points.

On Friday united obtained the transfer of Bob Turnbill, the ex Arsenal, Chelsea and Clapton Orient full back. Turnbill is a versatile player who earned considerable prominence as a centre-forward and scored quite a lot of goals for the arsenal and Chelsea.
From the Southend Standard 21st November 1929.

Saturday 16th November 1929
Chelsea Reserves v Southend United Reserves Postponed
London Combination:
The Junior Blues had a wasted trip to Stamford Bridge as their game against Chelsea was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

In a ground that looked like a mixture of Jam and Oil until one tasted it - players generally ran about standing still - But once they got a slide - it was lucky for them that football grounds have fences - otherwise they might have continued out of the entrance. - The Reserve Team - after trying out Mr Fred Le May in the puddles at Chelsea they decided not to play.
From a cartoon by Stan Harvey that appeared in the Southend Standard on the 14th November 1929

THE CUP DRAW
For the first time since 1927 when they scraped home against Wellington Town by a goal to nil, the United supporters will have the opportunity of witnessing an F.A. Cup tie at the Kursaal. The united came out of the hat first against Brentford and at this stage of the season there could hardly have had a more attractive tie. The kick-off has been set as 2.15 and the Bees are expected to bring many supporters with them so it should be a big gate.
From the Southend standard 21st November 1929

16th November 1929
There had been a supporters committee in the early days, formed in 1909 to make contributions to players’ summer wages, but by the 1920s, a victim of the First World War, poor organisation and indifference, it had fallen into abeyance. When a small band of enthusiastic fans tried to rekindle interest in the summer of 1929 they found little initial support but after putting a notice in the programme during the autumn were surprised when their inaugural meeting in the Clarence Hall on 16th November 1929 was packed out. The new supporters club adopted the motto “To help – not hinder”, affiliated itself to the Federation of Supporters Clubs and voted schoolmaster Charlie Benson – who was one of the linesmen in Southend’s first match – as its first chairman, though he soon gave way to architect Nevill Newitt.
From: The official History of Southend United” by Peter Mason and Dave Goody

Monday 19th November 1929
The first World Cup was being organised, due to be played in Uruguay in the summer of 1930, and an invitation had been sent to the Football Association, but this was rejected by the F.A. and as a result England did not compete.


In the next episode: the United travel to Bristol to take on the Rovers

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 14

ASTONISHING REVERSE


Div 3(South) No. 16
Saturday 23rd November 1929
BRISTOL ROVERS 4-2 SOUTHEND UNITED
Bristol Rovers were having a dismal season currently in twentieth place a point above Newport and two above Merthyr, and had only won two of their fifteen games so far, one of which was on the opening day of the season. They had lost five and drawn one of their last six games conceding twenty goals in the process. The Journey for the team travelling from Paddington to Bristol had rain rattling against the carriage windows but when they reached Bath the sun shone with such intensity that when they arrived at Eastville the playing pitch had dried into a state of heavy stickiness. After fifteen minutes Rovers scored the first goal when after a scrimmage in front of Billy Moore’s goal the loose ball was hit first time cleanly into the net. Within two minutes Southend were level through Donoven. A poor back pass allowed Barnett to rush in and beat the goalkeeper to give Southend the lead after which they played delightful football up to the break. Shortly into the second half Moore made a save but the referee judged him to have stepped over the line in doing so and gave a goal much to the protests of the Southend players. This upset the Blues and gave Rovers the confidence they needed and they went on to win 2-4. Team: Moore; French and Robinson; Dixon, Ward and Donoven; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donoven and Clenshaw

TABLE AFTER SIXTEEN GAMES

.................................P....F – A…...P
1....Plymouth..........16...39.-..15...26
2....Brentford..........16...32.-..16...23
3....Bournemouth....16...34.-..19...22
4....Brighton…...…....16...34.-..22…22
5....Northampton.....16...26.-..16...21
6....Fulham……........16...28.-..23...20
7....Southend…….....16...29.-..24...20
8....Coventry..........16...36.-..20...18

It was somewhat of a shock to lose 4-2 to one of the weakest teams in the Division The match at Bristol despite the score at the conclusion, saw the Blues reach for a period the swift understanding and clever aggressiveness that made them a dominent side at the outset of the season. Rovers form in the second half even astonished the home supporters and if this style is maintained in the coming months they will earn new respect.
From the Southend Standard 28th November 1929.

First Team Appearances:
Billy Moore, Jack French, Dickie Donoven, Fred Barnett and Mickey Jones 16 each; Tom Dixon 13; John Borland 12; John Armitage and Bob Ward 8; Joe Campbell 7; Haydn Davies 6; Joe Johnson and Les Clenshaw 4 each; Tom Brophy, Jimmy Shankly and Jack Bailey 2 each. (16 League).

First Team Goalscorers:
Fred Baron 13; Dickie Donoven 8; John Borland 3; John Armitage 2; Jack Bailey and Mickey Jones 1 each (28 goals).

Saturday 23rd November 1929
Southend United Reserves v Brighton & Hove Rovers Reserves Postponed
London Combination:
For the second week running the Junior Blues failed to complete a Combination fixture when the game against Brighton at the Kursaal was abandoned twenty minutes from time due to “Tempest and Hail”.

Southend had dropped to bottom but one of the London Combination but had played fewer matches than anyone else. They had completed twelve fixtures thee of four less than those around them in the table and six less than Portsmouth

Saturday was another dismal day regarding the weather and as a result the London Combination match was unable to be brought to a conclusion. In the long experience of Southend football I cannot recall another occasion on which a game has been interfered with by a thunderstorm. When the half-time score was announced that Southend United were leading 2-2 at Bristol Rovers there were great hopes that winning form had again been struck and there was grievous disappointment when it became known that the Rovers had scored thrice in the second period.
From the Southend Standard 28th November 1929.


In the next episode: It’s “Up for Cup” as the Blues take on Brentford at the Kursaal

 

[DoDTS]

SOUTHEND UNITED BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Story of season 1929-30
EPISODE 15

A SPELL BROKEN

F.A. Cup Round 1
Saturday 30th November 1929
SOUTHEND UNITED 1-0 BRENTFORD
Brentford were one of the more difficult ties to get, they were not dissimilar to Brighton, better at home than away, as at home they had won all nine games but away just one win, three draws and three defeats, so it was just as well that the tie was at the Kursaal. This was an extremely hard fought and exciting game to watch but is perhaps a game of missed chances. The number of near escapes which both goals underwent on Saturday was one of the features of the tie. The only goal of the game came when a low oblique shot by Barnett was only parried by the goalkeeper and Baron was in the right place to slot home. In the last fifteen minutes Southend forgot that the best form of defence is attack, and Brentford besieged the Southend goal and right up to the final kick the result was in doubt, but the Blues held on to win the tie 1-0. Team: Moore; Turnbull and Robinson; Dixon, Ward and Davies; Barnett, Jones, Baron, Donoven and Clenshaw.

A SPELL BROKEN
It was the first win which the United had obtained in for two months, and coming as it did in the Cup, it was all the more welcome. It should do much to restore the confidence of the eleven and enable to put the recent bad patch behind them. Few more exciting games have been witnessed on the Kursaal ground, than this cup-tie and right up to the last kick Brentford could have forced a replay. The football shown was distinctly good in view of the slippery pitch and ball and it was remarkably fast with the sphere travelling from end to end with great rapidity. The only goal of the tie was actually scored by Baron, but Barnett was chiefly instrumental in it. After a delightful piece of work between himself and Jones he drove in a swift, oblique ground shot which the goalkeeper seemed to gather. The greasy ball however slipped through his hands and being bustled by Baron, the centre forward applied the finishing touches. The last quarter of an hour was wildly excited and every kick cheered. It was a relief to the home supporters when the referee signalled the end of the game which left the United the winners in one of the hardest fought contests ever staged in the Borough.
From the Southend Standard 28th November 1929.

SUPPORTERS CLUB
The membership was growing and members would be stationed at every entrance on the coming Saturday to hand out subscription envelopes and plans were in hand to have their own headquarters at the ground for enquiries. Within two weeks the new supporters club provided stewards and turnstiles operations for the match at the Kursaal against Brentford.

Arrangements have been made by the Supporters Club with the Westcliff Motor Services to run their all weather Saloon Charabancs to Homerton and back on Saturday December 7th for the match Clapton Orient v Southend United. Return Fare 3s 6d (17½p)
From the Southend Standard 28th November 1929.

A PROTEST
One supporter writes to protest against French being dropped for Saturday’s game and threatens he and his friends will not support the Club in consequence. I suggest that he should do nothing so unsportsmanlike. Though people are quite entitled to differ as to who is the best man for a position. It is useless appointing a manager if his advice is not accepted and it must be remembered that he sees away as well as home games, which the majority of supporters alone witness. It would be idle to attempt to improve the eleven if various sections of spectators stayed away just because some player they favour is not selected.
From the Southend Standard 5th December 1929


Saturday 23rd November 1929
West Ham United Reserves 2-4 Southend United Reserves
London Combination:
The Junior Blues were at Boleyn Castle to play West Ham and the headlines afterwards read “Dazzling Play by Southend Reserves – West Ham well and truly beaten” with the final score being 4-2 with goals from Shankly (2) Couldon and Bryant. The Blues put on a remarkable exhibition of first class football and it was stated that no Southend reserve side had ever reached this level before. One well known player said at half time “Keep it up boys, we cold beat Glasgow Rangers today!”
Team: McKenna; French and Coulthard; Crewe, Johnson and Lloyd; Coundon, Bailey, Shankly, Bryant and Boreland.

Sir – Although a strong West Ham supporter allow me to congratulate Southend United Reserves on their splendid performance last Saturday. Astonishment was freely expressed around where I was standing at their lowly position in the London Combination. One appreciates good football and therein Southend’s success lay. Although lucky on one or two occasions they nevertheless thoroughly deserved their victory being superior in practically all positions. Under adverse conditions their football was of a high standard and there did not seem to be a weak spot in the side. A special commendation might be given to French but all played well. A few displays like last Saturday and they will soon rise in the League (this being a general opinion amongst the crowd, judging from the remarks I heard on leaving the ground).
From the Southend Standard 5th December 1929

LUCK AGAIN WITH SOUTHEND
In the draw for the second round of the F.A. Cup on Monday, Southend United were again fortunate in being drawn at home against either Tranmere Rovers, a Birkenhead side or York City.These teams, who both compete in the Northern Section of the Third League, played out a 2-2 draw on Saturday with the replay the following Thursday. The chances are that it will be the Rovers that visit the Kursaal who are placed mid-table. York City are faring fairly well in their first season in this class of football, and they are seven places removed from the bottom of the ladder.
From the Southend Standard 5th December 1929

In the next episode: United make the short journey to Millfields Road, Ground Homerton to contest a League fixture with Clapton Orient