Southend United v Gillingham - Opposition Fan Preview - Written by Lewis Browning
Gillingham’s men will head to Roots Hall this Tuesday to take on a Southend side in absolute free fall. The game brings League One action and the Gills will be looking to register a win that will place them to within four points of the play-off spots and extend their unbeaten league run to 14 games. You can read our preview of the game here.
We spoke to Southend journalist and fan Chris Phillips about United’s season so far, how he views Tuesday’s game, and what he sees in the Shrimpers’ future.
How’s your season been so far?
Absolutely horrific, to be honest. Everyone hoped staying up on the final day of last season would be a wakeup call and that the club could get some momentum from it, but that hasn’t been the case, and it’s got much worse. It’s been the season from hell, really, and up there with the worst I have known in 30 years. I can’t wait for it to end.
And your form going into the game?
Not great. Southend got rid of a number of players during the January transfer window and didn’t bring anyone in, so the team’s full of youngsters now. Six teenagers finished Saturday’s clash loss against Coventry and just three of the players that were still on the pitch at the final whistle were older than 21. Southend have lost their last three and have been beaten in 21 in 31 of their league games this season.
Who are your key players?
Charlie Kelman, an 18-year-old striker, has scored a couple of goals lately, and both Tottenham and Sunderland tried to sign him on deadline day. But the player of the year by a mile has been right-back Elvis Bwomono; he’s been excellent in very tough times.
Any notable absentees?
Southend have a goalkeeping problem going into the game - Mark Oxley went off with a thigh problem during Saturday’s match. Our youth team goalkeeper Callum Taylor, who is 18, came on for his debut, but he’s the only goalkeeper available right now. Stephen McLaughlin and Jason Demetriou both missed Saturday’s game but Sol Campbell is hoping they will be back for Tuesday.
Who do you reckon is Gillingham’s biggest threat?
I know Jordan Roberts has been doing well since going in on loan from Ipswich and John Akinde is also a handful. I know of Stuart O’Keefe from his time with Southend and I’m always impressed by Barry Fuller whenever I’ve seen him play.
What do you expect from Steve Evans’ side on the day?
I think when Steve Evans is involved you expect an all action, committed display. It’s another tough game for Southend, especially as I think I’m right in saying Gillingham haven’t lost in the League since November.
How do you see the game going?
This season has broken my heart a little bit and expectations are very low. It’s horrible to say, and I obviously hope I’m wrong, but Gillingham will be very strong favourites.
A prediction, please.
I’ll say 2-1 to Gillingham. Stephen McLaughlin will score if he plays because he always seems to score against Gillingham.
How do you see the rest of your season panning out?
Sadly, relegation is now a foregone conclusion.
Chris can be found on Twitter at @CJPhillips1982 or writing regular columns for the Southend Echo, available in hard copy or at echo-news.co.uk/sport.
Gillingham’s men will head to Roots Hall this Tuesday to take on a Southend side in absolute free fall. The game brings League One action and the Gills will be looking to register a win that will place them to within four points of the play-off spots and extend their unbeaten league run to 14 games. You can read our preview of the game here.
We spoke to Southend journalist and fan Chris Phillips about United’s season so far, how he views Tuesday’s game, and what he sees in the Shrimpers’ future.
How’s your season been so far?
Absolutely horrific, to be honest. Everyone hoped staying up on the final day of last season would be a wakeup call and that the club could get some momentum from it, but that hasn’t been the case, and it’s got much worse. It’s been the season from hell, really, and up there with the worst I have known in 30 years. I can’t wait for it to end.
And your form going into the game?
Not great. Southend got rid of a number of players during the January transfer window and didn’t bring anyone in, so the team’s full of youngsters now. Six teenagers finished Saturday’s clash loss against Coventry and just three of the players that were still on the pitch at the final whistle were older than 21. Southend have lost their last three and have been beaten in 21 in 31 of their league games this season.
Who are your key players?
Charlie Kelman, an 18-year-old striker, has scored a couple of goals lately, and both Tottenham and Sunderland tried to sign him on deadline day. But the player of the year by a mile has been right-back Elvis Bwomono; he’s been excellent in very tough times.
Any notable absentees?
Southend have a goalkeeping problem going into the game - Mark Oxley went off with a thigh problem during Saturday’s match. Our youth team goalkeeper Callum Taylor, who is 18, came on for his debut, but he’s the only goalkeeper available right now. Stephen McLaughlin and Jason Demetriou both missed Saturday’s game but Sol Campbell is hoping they will be back for Tuesday.
Who do you reckon is Gillingham’s biggest threat?
I know Jordan Roberts has been doing well since going in on loan from Ipswich and John Akinde is also a handful. I know of Stuart O’Keefe from his time with Southend and I’m always impressed by Barry Fuller whenever I’ve seen him play.
What do you expect from Steve Evans’ side on the day?
I think when Steve Evans is involved you expect an all action, committed display. It’s another tough game for Southend, especially as I think I’m right in saying Gillingham haven’t lost in the League since November.
How do you see the game going?
This season has broken my heart a little bit and expectations are very low. It’s horrible to say, and I obviously hope I’m wrong, but Gillingham will be very strong favourites.
A prediction, please.
I’ll say 2-1 to Gillingham. Stephen McLaughlin will score if he plays because he always seems to score against Gillingham.
How do you see the rest of your season panning out?
Sadly, relegation is now a foregone conclusion.
Chris can be found on Twitter at @CJPhillips1982 or writing regular columns for the Southend Echo, available in hard copy or at echo-news.co.uk/sport.
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