United return home tomorrow, as Gary Johnson’s men take on Play-Off chasers Southend at Plainmoor (25/02/23 3pm KO).
Although The Shrimpers’ off-field issues continue to plague them, the Essex-based outfit will pose a sizeable threat to The Gulls’ recent home revival, with the Yellow Army cheering their side on to five wins and a draw in their last eight matches at Plainmoor.
Who’s the Boss?
Following a 22 year playing career, amassing 585 first team appearances, Kevin Maher moved into coaching and management and had previous managerial experience with National League South side Chelmsford City, and during his time in the coaching staff at Bristol Rovers, had two spells at caretaker manager. Maher also spent time as The Shrimpers Under 21 manager in 2015.
Roots Hall is a familiar place for Maher, as it is where he spent 10 years of his career as a midfielder. He captained the side to successive promotions in 2005, and 2006, and was part of the Club’s famous League Cup victory over Manchester United.
Maher returned to Essex to take the helm at Southend in October 2021, and after steadying the ship last term, he has led his side to greater things this time out, with Southend spending almost the whole of the current campaign in amongst the Play-Off positions.
How have they been doing?
14 wins, and a total of 50 points see tomorrow’s opponents comfortably sat in 6th position, and although a top-three finish may be beyond them, hopes are high amongst the Club’s loyal fanbase that they will be competing in the post-season action, as long as they can emerge from a difficult week away from the football pitch.
Although the midweek 4-0 reverse at Notts County was one step too far, Maher’s men have been adept enough to take a point off both County and title rivals Wrexham earlier this season, to prove they are more than capable of mixing it with the best the National League has to offer.
Player to Watch
Midfielder Jack Bridge’s return to Roots Hall has been nothing short of a success, with the former Shrimpers youngster notching 8 goals in 28 appearances in 2022/23.
Not only does Bridge lead the way in the scoring stakes, but his all-round play has seen his stock rise to the point that league leaders Notts County are just one of the clubs being linked with a move for the dangerous winger.
After departing Essex in 2018 in search of first-team football, season-longs stints at Northampton and Carlisle gave him exactly that, before short spells at non-League Concord and Bromley preceded a move back to his hometown club in 2021.
Played for Both
Shaquille Coulthirst is just one of a number of players to have graced both clubs, with the striker enjoying temporary spells at Plainmoor and Roots Hall, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur just under ten years ago.
Having made his Spurs debut in the 4-1 Europa League win over Anzhi Makhachkala, those lofty surroundings would have seemed a distant destination as he arrived at Plainmoor to join a side desperately fighting for Football League survival.
Although 2 goals in 6 games weren’t quite enough to save The Gulls from relegation, his impressive performances led to plenty of other temporary opportunities – including Southend – prior to making a permanent move to Peterborough in 2016. Having failed to settle at London Road, a move to The Hive heralded the best spell of the striker’s career, netting 23 goals in 81 league games before moving on to join Boreham Wood.
The Hackney-born hitman has struggled to hit those previous highs in recent times however, and he was soon on the move again, with Billericay, then Ebbsfleet his next ports of call.
Previous Encounter
‘Gary Time’ made a welcome return to Plainmoor in teh corresponding fixture last season, as Johnson’s men secured a richly deserved win over Southend.
After dominating the game from almost start to finish, it seemed as though United would have to settle for a point, until Connor Lemmonheigh-Evans struck in the final minute of normal time to earn a vital victory.