1 minute read
Southend United
22/23 Position: 8th
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Founded: 1906
Nickname: The Shrimpers
Ground: Roots Hall
Key Player: Cav Miley
One of the signings of last season, Miley was incredible for Southend as the lynchpin in their midfield. He was constantly breaking up attacks, starting them himself too, and the Jersey born midfielder was very much in the conversation for Team of the Season. He played a lot of minutes last season, and the same will be required of him again this term with the lack of bodies at the club. Still, you would expect Miley to have a similarly impressive campaign, as the heartbeat of this Southend side.
Key Signing: Jack Wood
Wood is NOT a new signing, but as Southend are currently under an embargo, and Wood was out on loan last season, he is the closest thing we are going to get. Wood has already made an impact in pre season; he scored a hattrick in a friendly, showing what a goal threat he can be. He was immesne for Tonbridge Angels last season, and will be a key man this time around. His return actually puts Southend in a better position in the final third in my opinion.
Opening Fixtures:
Oldham (H)
Dagenham (A)
Dorking (A)
Hartlepool (H)
Eastleigh (H)
Manager: Kevin Maher
The Odds:
Title: 25/1
Promotion: 12/1
Top 7: 5/2
This man should be given a medal. Or some sort of reward anyway. He's had had to work under extremely trying circumstances, has held himself with dignity throughout, and has produced brilliant results on the field too. He's clearly a wonderful man manager, keeping so many players happy when off the field issues suggest otherwise. And he has made his side hard to beat. If anyone can do it against all the odds, it's Maher and his staff.
Verdict:
I just cannot look past that possible 10 point deduction. I'm not suggesting either way if it will happen, but the fact that it looms there is only going to effect performances. Southend don't have a bad XI, but they have little to no squad depth whatsoever, and remaining under embargo means they will be unable to rectify that. They are 1 or 2 injuries away from a crisis and haven't even had a proper pre season either.
Prediction: 24th
