WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?
Southend United, also known as The Shrimpers, Seasiders or Blues, Founded 1906.
WHERE IS THE MATCH BEING PLAYED?
At Roots Hall, Southend, Capacity 12,392
HOW DID THEY DO LAST SEASON?
The Shrimpers were relegated from the Football League for the first time in their history.
HOW DID SHOTS GET ON AGAINST THEM LAST SEASON?
N/A, as Southend were in the EFL. The last time the two clubs met was in April, 2013, when United won 2-0 at The EBB Stadium. The Shots had won the match at Roots Hall earlier that season, with a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Danny Hylton and Sonny Bradley.
WHO’S THEIR GAFFER?:
62-year-old Phil Brown, a former Right Back in his playing days – over 650 appearances for Hartlepool, Halifax, Bolton and Blackpool – is in his second spell as Manager of Southend United. Prior to his fist stint at Roots Hall, Brown managed Derby County, Hull City and Preston North End. He held the reins at Southend for five seasons between 2013-2018, guiding them to the play-offs in each of his first two seasons, the second of which saw them promoted. In the last three years, he has managed Swindon Town and Pune City/Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League. He returned to Roots Hall, following the sacking of Mark Molesley, in April 2021, but couldn’t steer Southend away from relegation.
WHO’S DEPARTED?
Eight players were released in the summer and another four returned to their parent clubs. Keeper Mark Oxley rejected a new contract and signed for Harrogate Town. Left back Sam Hart signed for Oldham Athletic. Several other players failed to agree terms and departed.
WHO’S STAYED?
Thirteen players stayed, including former Shot Nathan Ralph, Centre Back Shaun Hobson and Defender Rob Howard, who played against The Shots during his loan spell at Kings Lynn in the National League last season.
WHO’S ARRIVED?
Brown has made some eye-catching new signings, with 12 players incoming, or awarded first pro contracts at Roots Hall. They include prolific striker Rhys Murphy (from Yeovil Town) and fellow forward Sam Dalby, both of whom have already scored twice this season. Goalkeeper Steve Arnold, who Shots fans will remember from the title winning Lincoln City side has also joined the Shrimpers, as have Defender Josh Coulson (Leyton Orient), Winger Jack Bridge (Bromley) and former Barnet Captain James Dunne.
ANY EX-SHOTS?
Left Back Nathan Ralph played 12 times for Aldershot Town, on loan from Newport County, back in 2016.
WHO’S GOT THE WHISTLE?
Tuesday evening’s referee is Adrian Quelch. Last season, he took charge of 18 National League matches, showing 73 Yellow Cards and 2 Red Cards.
WHERE TO FOLLOW THE MATCH:
If you are not going to Roots Hall, there will be ‘Live’ BBC Radio Surrey Sport Online commentary of the match with Rob Worrall and Guest Summariser, former Bromley Manager Neil ‘Smudger’ Smith. There will also be Social Media coverage on Instagram & Twitter (@OfficialShots) with team news, updates and post-match coverage throughout the evening.
