Southend United Odds: 200/1 Last Five Seasons 2005/06 - 1 (League One, Promoted), 2004/05 - 4 (League Two, Promoted), 2003/04 - 17 (League Two), 2002/03 - 17 (League Two), 2001/02 - 12 (League Two). 2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup Second Round vs MK Dons (h) - lost 2-1. Carling Cup First Round vs Southampton (h) - lost 3-0. Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Fredy Eastwood (striker) - 25 goals. Players In Michael Ricketts (Leeds United - Free), Simon Francis (Sheffield United - Free), Steven Hammell (Motherwell - Free), Steve Collis (Yeovil Town - Free), Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Rotherham United - Free). Players Out Mark Bentley (Gillingham - Free), Duncan Jupp (Gillingham - Free), Wayne Gray (Yeovil Town - Free), Carl Pettefer (Oxford United - Free), Andy Edwards (Aldershot - Free), Shaun Goater (Released), Bart Griemink (Released). Southend United enjoyed back to back promotions which has seen them return to the second tier for this first time since the 1996/97 campaign. They finished rock bottom of the league that year and manager Steve Tilson, who has orchestrated the Shrimpers' rise through the divisions, will be keen to avoid a repeat. Southend's key to survival this season is the goals Fredy Eastwood can provide. Since his move from Grays Athletic in 2004 for a nominal fee he has scored an incredible 39 goals in 68 league appearances. He netted 25 goals in all competitions last season and is expected to perform at Championship level too. Tilson has brought in former England international striker Michael Ricketts to partner Eastwood following the retirement of Shaun Goater. The once capped Ricketts spent time on loan at Cardiff City and Burnley last season and joined the club on a free transfer from Leeds United. Stevie Hammell completed his move to the club on a free transfer from Motherwell after turning down an offer from fellow Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen, while Tilson has also signed Simon Francis from Sheffield United after meeting him when he played for the Football League under 21 side. Southend United settled their dispute over Jamal Campbell-Ryce with Rotherham United and he moved to Roots Hall on a free transfer. The former Charlton Athletic winger left Rotherham in September for a loan spell at Southend but the Millers claimed there was an agreement to make the deal permanent for a 100,000 fee. No deal was concluded and Campbell-Ryce headed for Colchester United on loan in March. Verdict The Shrimpers have a gem in Fredy Eastwood and there is no reason why he cannot make the step up to the Championship and score the goals necessary to preserve the club's status. A lower mid table finish. |
