What a time to be a Blackpool fan. With cause for optimism on the pitch and a landslide of changes off it, the Simon Sadler era is well underway.
The biggest relief for many has simply been the ability of going and supporting their side and what an impact it has had. The support on Saturday was immense, creating an electric atmosphere, and combined with the contagious excitement surrounding the club, who knows how far the buoyancy will take Pool.
The Seasiders travel to Southend trying to build on their opening day triumph; a side that were not so successful in their opener, losing out to Coventry, so will be desperate to ameliorate this. It's a big match for Blackpool and one that could send a message of intent out to the rest of League One.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Rob Kiernan is out for Southend, who recently lost midfielder Dru Yearwood to Brentford. Sam Barrett is also unlikely to feature. Blackpool are also in good shape with just Matty Virtue being in doubt.
The History:
Southed United, also known as The Seasiders, were established in 1906 and have never been in the Premier League. They have been as high as the Championship though, most recently being promoted in the 2005/06 season, a promotion that came successively with promotion from League 2 the season prior. The Shrimpers, who then fell back down to League 2, were led back to League One by Phil Brown in the 2014/15 season. They only narrowly avoided another return to the basement of the Football League last year as they finished 19th.
The club play their home football at the 12,392 capacity Roots Hall, with a move to Fossetts Farm planned in the near future despite problems with planning permission. The stadium has failed to see many cup runs though, despite Southend managing to finish second in the Football League Trophy in the 2003/4, 2004/5 and 2012/3 seasons.
The Manager:
Kevin Bond, who kept Southend up last season on goal difference courtesy of a final day win against Sunderland, is a vastly experienced manager. Bond began his coaching career at the Manchester City reserve team before occupying roles at Wrexham and Altrincham. His first manager's role came at Stafford Rangers in 1998 where he would remain for a year. He followed this with spells at Bournemouth, where he played during his career, QPR (as caretaker) and in Hong Kong. Bond was also Harry Redknapp's assistant at Tottenham from 2009.
As a player, his youth career consisted of time at Bournemouth followed by Norwich; playing for the latter in the first team 142 times. Bond played as a centre back throughout his career and moved to America in 1981. He also played a number of matches for Manchester City, Southampton and AFC Bournemouth.
Bond's contract expires at the end of the season, so he will be looking to have a positive impact this season.
Star Men:
Simon Cox
Irishman Cox possesses a wealth of experience and has been at Southend since 2016. The 32 year old has over 157 games of Championship experience and has scored 42 times in 149 matches for Southend, assisting 21 times. Much of the play goes through Cox and Blackpool should be wary.
Luke Hyam
Central midfielder Hyam joined Southend from Ipswich in 2018 following the expiry of his contract. Since then he has played 23 matches for the club, after leaving the club which gave him his first senior experience and brought him up through their academy. He played 148 times for Ipswich and 136 times in the Championship for the club despite eventually falling out of favour. The 27 year old works hard in the middle of the pitch and also has a creative edge to his game.
Mark Oxley
The Sheffield born goalkeeper has been at Southend since 2016 and is very experienced at this level. At 29, he has played 128 matches at League One level as well as a further 69 games in the Scottish Championship. Amongst others he has played for Hibernian, Oldham and Burton over the course of his career. He is a competent 'keeper to provide a challenge for the Blackpool forwards on Saturday.
Last Meeting:
Grayson Preview:
Ryan Edwards Preview:
Prediction: 2-2
Blackpool will be on a huge high after their opening day success, but I think Southend might shock Blackpool a little here. Blackpool will likely be in control, but I can see Southend snatching a draw here.
Table:
Other Fixtures:
Bolton Wanderers v Coventry City
Bristol Rovers v Wycombe Wanderers
Fleetwood Town v AFC Wimbledon
Gillingham v Burton Albion
Ipswich Town v Sunderland
Milton Keynes Dons v Shrewsbury Town
Oxford United v Peterborough United
Portsmouth v Tranmere Rovers
Rochdale v Doncaster Rovers
Rotherham United v Lincoln City
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