Pre-Match Thread Southend Utd vs Harrogate Town 12th September 2020 15:00 hrs

[Somerset Ex-TTB]

In my opinion, Humphrys cannot play. He ruins good moves by holding the ball too much and he apparently couldn't care in the 2nd half vs West Ham (although it is a pointless trophy)

He needs to be told to stay on last man and run in behind, because he's not a false 9 or a target man, he's too selfish.

The less time he has on the ball, the better for team play. We need a new target man really.

Totally agree, he may be the best forward and score goals out of nothing half a dozen times a season, but as part of a team he is a liability.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Totally agree, he may be the best forward and score goals out of nothing half a dozen times a season, but as part of a team he is a liability.

Then we need to replace him, sharpish. I really rate Kelman but he is a work in progress as are Goodship and especially Rush.

 

[undercovershrimper]

Oxley

Elvis White Hobson Taylor
Egbri Dieng Isaac Green
Humphrys Kelman

Would of put Ralph at LB but don't think he is fit enough yet to be starting League games
Going for a 1-1 draw, Kelman to score

 

[SeaSideDoughnut]

The team pretty much picks itself right now. I've included Ralph although I wonder if he's fit enough to start in the league. Taylor sounded a bit suspect at LB last week. Similar to MMN at RB the other night. It's really harsh to put play these young inexperienced players out of position and point the finger if they don't have the best game.

I've picked Goodship and Kelman again because they're players we can rely on being here despite Humphrys being the better player.

Demetriou? Did the injection help? His not really needed at RB if Bwomono is fit but it would be quite nice to see him lineup in midfield. His always been very busy when he as played there, always puts a tackle in, etc. Maybe it's time for some exploratory surgery, see what's really happening in that knee. It's probably a botch from the last surgery...

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

Oxley

Elvis White Hobson Taylor
Egbri Dieng Isaac Green
Humphrys Kelman

Would of put Ralph at LB but don't think he is fit enough yet to be starting League games
Going for a 1-1 draw, Kelman to score

I am okay with that line up.
Possible changes for me would be Goodship instead of Hump, however I would accept that MM knows the current state of the player's attitude and that of the rest of the squad towards him.
Ralph starts for me, but Taylor is a good stand in.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

The team pretty much picks itself right now. I've included Ralph although I wonder if he's fit enough to start in the league. Taylor sounded a bit suspect at LB last week. Similar to MMN at RB the other night. It's really harsh to put play these young inexperienced players out of position and point the finger if they don't have the best game.

I've picked Goodship and Kelman again because they're players we can rely on being here despite Humphrys being the better player.

Demetriou? Did the injection help? His not really needed at RB if Bwomono is fit but it would be quite nice to see him lineup in midfield. His always been very busy when he as played there, always puts a tackle in, etc. Maybe it's time for some exploratory surgery, see what's really happening in that knee. It's probably a botch from the last surgery...

Echo News - Southend United midfielder Jason Demetriou has injection on knee

SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley is waiting to see how Jason Demetriou's knee reacts to having an injection. Read more on this story Help with Echo links

www.shrimperzone.com

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

Too many weaknesses in the squad, the ball wont stick up top, both full-backs look a bit dodgy and no real muscle in the middle of the park.

 

[Barry.C]

Really tough decision between Taylor and Ralph, In the end like the close percentage call on here , I just went with Taylor, Great to have so many decent choices. Taylor looking stronger to me this year and more solid. Two seemingly different players, Ralph great at bombing forward, but sometimes you feel , despite the ability to leap like a salmon, that he couldnt defend if their was a brick wall aide, Seen him run through by attackers too many times and lightweight compared to Taylor, defending is the lesser of his abilities but MM will possibly prefer his speed , direct play and strength going forward even though not yet fully match fit?

 

[Barling Magna]

I think we will sell quite a few programmes to Harrogate supporters to keep as a souvenir of their first ever League game. Might buy one myself....

 

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley knows Harrogate Town's momentum will make them dangerous opponents in Saturday's League Two opener.

Read more on this story


Help with Echo links

 

[in the know]

The team pretty much picks itself right now. I've included Ralph although I wonder if he's fit enough to start in the league. Taylor sounded a bit suspect at LB last week. Similar to MMN at RB the other night. It's really harsh to put play these young inexperienced players out of position and point the finger if they don't have the best game.

I've picked Goodship and Kelman again because they're players we can rely on being here despite Humphrys being the better player.

Demetriou? Did the injection help? His not really needed at RB if Bwomono is fit but it would be quite nice to see him lineup in midfield. His always been very busy when he as played there, always puts a tackle in, etc. Maybe it's time for some exploratory surgery, see what's really happening in that knee. It's probably a botch from the last surgery...

Scan the other week showed the knee to be very clean.
Small amount of ACL growth from an opp years ago that a cortisone injection looks to have sorted without keyhole needed.
Should be ok for the 2nd league game was last i heard earlier this week. Good news really as the knee is in better shape than he thought

 

[LI11]

Match preview

Harrogate Home Preview

Harrogate Town make history this weekend as they feature in their first ever EFL match against Southend United. They visit Roots Hall and will be full of confidence after two great seasons in the...

southendutdhub.weebly.com

 

[bluesfansince1952]

I am taking clues from who did NOT play on Tuesday as I am guessing they were given the night off by MM as he did not want them to risk injury.
I do not know the full extent of our injury situation and much will depend on how fit the likes of Lennon, Dieng and Ralph are deemed to be My best guess is we will line up like this
Oxley;
Elvis, JW, Hobson, Ralph;
Egbri, Dieng, Hutch, Green;
Goodship & Kelman.
Subs:
Seaden
Taylor,
Kyp (or Lennon depending on fitness or even Michell-Nelson)
Gard,
Phillips,
Kenali &
Humphrys.
It seems most of the team selects itself although if Lennon is fit to play I would start him ahead of JW.
I love seeing JW on the bench as it means our back four is good enough for us to afford to leave him out. He is also a great substitute to have as he can cover all positions across the back four, and, be relied on to put in a decent performance.
If Ralph is deemed fit enough I am sure he will get the nod ahead of Taylor as he is a specialist in the position. Taylor is a central defender and seems happier playing there.
Taylor impressed me on Tuesday but he is just starting to make his way in the game and it is a bit much to play him out of his preferred position ahead of an established left back Should Ralph be unfit for selection I think we would then be forced to take the risk of putting Taylor at left back.
In respect of the midfield I am assuming Dieng will be fit enough to play. If he is not, after Tuesday, aurely it will be Gard who takes his place. I am expecting Dieng to start, and, to be replaced by Gard after about an hour.
Based on what happened Saturday and Tuesday I believe we look better with Humphrys coming off the bench. He looked 'full on' on Saturday but drifted in and out of the game on Tuesday. Whether we are leading, or, the game is in the balance, his arrival on the pitch with, say, half an hour to go, would likely intimidate the opposition, and have the potential to change the game.
It goes without saying this is a very important game for us. If our home record this season in any way resembles last year's we will soon find we are on the way to oblivion.
We need to start harvesting home points and what better time to start than Saturday!

 

[Harry Bullocks]

I normally agree with you Rigsby, but Richard Taylor has done more than enough to justify his inclusion at left back ahead of Ralph.
He's been strong, composed, carrying the ball out from the back. He also adds much needed physicality.
Same back four as we had against Gillingham for me.

Last season , he got "sold a hospital pass" and it led to the opposition scoring and his head went down, not surprisingly and opportunities dissipated.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't he naturally right footed .....my only memories are of that game and he looked ungainly and bless, unsure.

There's clearly a good player in him, just needs the right position and the right mentor ( JW) ?

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Forgive me being impatient.....is "Ref watch" due back soon ,,,,Mick ?

 

[Jonny_Stokes]

I would have thought they would have plenty of fans in full support for a first ever league game, in normal circumstances.

Doubt it. 200, tops. Minuscule support.

As for their side, we handled them pretty easily in the one season we previously spent with them. Not a side that goes in for much sh*thousery and pretty focused on trying to keep the ball on the deck.

They play a weird hybrid 4-4-2 with the wide players regularly tucking in to try and create a ‘box’. If you can press high on their fullbacks you can usually win the ball back due to their paucity of options down the line.

One player to watch out for is Josh Falkingham, their skipper, who is a tenacious little b*stard in the Gutts mould I.e. he can play a bit as well.

 

[Mad Cyril]

Doubt it. 200, tops. Minuscule support.

As for their side, we handled them pretty easily in the one season we previously spent with them. Not a side that goes in for much sh*thousery and pretty focused on trying to keep the ball on the deck.

They play a weird hybrid 4-4-2 with the wide players regularly tucking in to try and create a ‘box’. If you can press high on their fullbacks you can usually win the ball back due to their paucity of options down the line.

One player to watch out for is Josh Falkingham, their skipper, who is a tenacious little b*stard in the Gutts mould I.e. he can play a bit as well.

Yeah thanks for that but we are talking about professional football here.

 

[Jonny_Stokes]

Yeah thanks for that but we are talking about professional football here.

*Re-checks your squad. Raises eyebrows slightly. Makes note of this post for future reference*.

 

[Shrimpet steve]

Strange feeling at the start of this season. Club feels in worse position than it has for a number of years, maybe even more of a state than when Sturrock took charge. Atleast he was able to make signings.

Fan base feels more disconnected then ever, although with people not being able to attend games this is understandable.

However, on a positive note I’m happy with MM so far. Although time will tell, atleast he comes across as genuine, hardworking and for the first time, perhaps since Sturrock, un-egotistical. Is that a word? You get a feeling from him he understands the situation of the club, is realistic about what he’ll have to deal with.

Not expecting a lot from this season. The squad is paper thin and young. Ron Martin has a lot to answer for, it all seems far too quiet considering the state of things.

No idea what to expect from Saturday, but let’s hope That there’s some gems to come from this young crop of players. All we can ask is that everyone gives their all for the club, puts their ego aside and fights for every inch!

Good luck Shrimpers, we’re gonna need it!!

U can expect us to win

 

[SeaSideDoughnut]

Scan the other week showed the knee to be very clean.
Small amount of ACL growth from an opp years ago that a cortisone injection looks to have sorted without keyhole needed.
Should be ok for the 2nd league game was last i heard earlier this week. Good news really as the knee is in better shape than he thought

That's interesting. I always thought cortisone injections were basically for short term relief more than anything else. We'll just have to wait and see what plays out.