Pre-Match Thread Southend Utd vs Portsmouth FC

[Spaceman Spiff]

Not sure about McLaughlin, but the other 3 are still under contract. So unless another club comes in for them ( very unlikely ), then we are stuck with them here?.

Not necessarily, it just needs negotiations and creativity. We can’t stop them seeing out their contracts, so it isn’t straightforward but it’s been done many times. Theo is another example and the reason (IMO) for this loan. Put yourself in the shop window Theo

 

[Harry Bullocks]

I'd like to see a 4-4-2 with Hyam back in midfield...if fit

 

[Billy Bests boot laces]

Not necessarily, it just needs negotiations and creativity. We can’t stop them seeing out their contracts, so it isn’t straightforward but it’s been done many times. Theo is another example and the reason (IMO) for this loan. Put yourself in the shop window Theo

Hope your right.

 

[Jay_SUFC]

Two observations:

This season cannot end soon enough, so we can ditch the likes of Kightly, McLaughlin, Dieng and Mantom who should be a good league one midfield but have been woeful all year. They really have. Bugger all of note from any of them, particularly the wingers. They are simply not worth their wages to a club of our resources. We need people who are able to perform, like other clubs our level paying the wages we do (and in leagues below us) manage to attract.

CP signed 2 of those (and they were fine earlier this season) and there is a good player in McLaughlin, but CP doesn't seem to be bringing it out.

Also, what makes you think any replacement we get for these is going to be better???

 

[Chris Powell's mate]

I'll be quietly pleased if we lose by 3 goals or less...

It's actually fewer rather than 'less'. But yeah, right behind the sentiment. I prayed Pompey would do a number on QPR, but like the rest of the season, that entreaty saw the Almighty remove his ear piece.
I would dearly love to be proved wrong, but I think this game will see me churn enough stomach acid to burn a hole in the hull of a boat.

 

[LBBlue]

Since they beat us on 8th December they have won 3 drawn 3 and lost 5 and have slipped down the table. They have been struggling to score. I can see us picking up another unexpected point.

 

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell feels the pressure could be more on Portsmouth when they visit Roots Hall this weekend.

More...

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

CP signed 2 of those (and they were fine earlier this season) and there is a good player in McLaughlin, but CP doesn't seem to be bringing it out.

Also, what makes you think any replacement we get for these is going to be better???

McLaughlin probably played his best football for Powell (last season).

I wonder if it's more fatherhood that isn't bringing the best out of him?

In fact maybe the reason we're better away from home (I'm guessing we went up on the day for a night game v Donny) is because the players spend the night in a hotel away from screaming kids?

 

[They Call It Madness!!!]

Bishop

Moore Turner Lennon Hart

Kightly Dieng Mantom Macca

Cox Humphrys

White at RB if fit. Moore in for Lennon as he isnt ready yet.

Macca HAS to play on the left. He can beat his man and get crosses in (as can Kightly). No more cutting in rubbish, we are too predictable otherwise.

Elvis needs a rest. He is also too lightweight right now and has been found out.

Turner can be the main man again, he needs the arm around the shoulder and needs to be told to get back to basics - no nonesense stuff.

Dieng and Mantom need to play as a pair lile they were at the start of the season. Quick 1/2s then spreading out wide. Manton to pkay slightly deeper to be the play stopper/maker.

Will the above happen...not a chanc.

 

[RobM]

"This season cannot end soon enough, so we can ditch the likes of Kightly, McLaughlin, Dieng and Mantom who should be a good league one midfield but have been woeful all year. "

That really should be a decent midfield 4!

 

[kentblues]

I am a bit concerned we insisted on playing our only two senior strikers for the full 90 on Tues even when the game was clearly gone..

He clearly has near zero faith in Kelman or Wabo or surely he would not be running the two seniors into the ground for a lost cause in a midweek game? Surely? Is it me?

 

[kentblues]

BTW if my memory is right White had to be replaced at HT- maybe (can’t remember) Kightly came on for McL when we were still in the game- but sure one of the strikers could have been given a rest?

 

[Grapevine]

Kightly came on for Klass

 

[LBBlue]

I am a bit concerned we insisted on playing our only two senior strikers for the full 90 on Tues even when the game was clearly gone..

He clearly has near zero faith in Kelman or Wabo or surely he would not be running the two seniors into the ground for a lost cause in a midweek game? Surely? Is it me?

From what I read about the game no one was doing any running about so I guess they were just waiting on the half way line waiting for someone to kick the ball in their general direction . Maybe they should try a bit of goal hanging.

 

[Maldon Shrimper]

Any news on the ticket sales no clues from the Pompey sites ,believe they have been offered 2000,wonder if they will sell out as it's on telly

 

[Stuart W]

I take it there is no news on Bunn or Hyam? A 75% fit Bunn would get in before McLaughlin based on this season's performances.

 

[Evening Echo]

MICHAEL Klass insists he has never been hungrier to succeed at Southend United.

More...

 

[Up the Shrimpers]

Any news on the ticket sales no clues from the Pompey sites ,believe they have been offered 2000,wonder if they will sell out as it's on telly

Pompey have sold 1,200 so far

 

[Chrisb]

Whatever the team, formation, tactics, we have to all agree on one thing - we do not want to get dragged any further down the table - let's support the boys and Chris on Saturday and try to encourage them, not boo any mistake, wayward pass or shot. Keep positive - we can all post on here afterwards if unhappy but let's not take that into Roots Hall, UTB.

 

[Bobby dazzler]

Any chance the game can be called off due to poor form, frozen pitch, bad team selection, pretty much any excuse so my work colleagues won't see how awful we are.