You never know what you’re going to get with Southend United. In recent history, the Shrimpers have been plagued by unsteady runs of form that has rendered its fanbase into disillusionment. Not even a change of management at Roots Hall has helped to erase the glaring inconsistency of their performances.
Are Southend United in For Another Turbulent Season?
Turbulence Ahead
There was a mood of optimism going into the new season for Blues fans, justified by shrewd recruitment and the prospect of a full season under Chris Powell. The start that Southend have endured so far, however, suggests that this might be a season just like any other.
An injury-struck squad, their perennially dire away form and the re-emergence of dodgy officiating has already cast doubts in the minds of Southend fans. This is a side that should be fighting for promotion if you assess the quality and experience of their squad. It may be too early to tell, but the results so far are characteristic of the turbulence that has haunted Roots Hall for some years.
The overriding issue that Powell needs to rectify is consistency. Such is the unpredictability of football, you may argue, but this unshakeable turbulence seems to be a largely Southend-specific problem. One week they might capsize the league leaders with ease, then lose convincingly to relegation fodder the next.
How Have They Started?
Unsurprisingly, it has been a mixed bag for The Blues so far. An impressive 2-0 victory over Bradford was cancelled out by a 2-0 defeat to Luton Town three days later. Elsewhere, Southend endured a 3-2 defeat to Doncaster on the opening day and a 1-1 draw against Plymouth Argyle. They have also extended their impressive eight-year run of not making it past the first round of the League Cup, albeit to a formidable Brentford side.
The issue is that when the Shrimpers are on song, they are unplayable. Conversely, if they are off-colour then it makes for truly depressing viewing. Southend are a side with unbounded potential, capable of playing street-wise, free-flowing football, which is why fans become so frustrated when they underachieve.
Patience will be required from the Southend faithful as they wait for Powell’s new acquisitions to adjust. The long-awaited return of 18-year old Dru Yearwood is an exciting prospect as he will add energy and dynamism into midfield. Meanwhile, Tom Hopper and Simon Cox are in their infancy as a striking partnership and should mature with time. `
Southend needn’t fear anyone in this division. Last season they managed to beat Wigan, Blackburn Rovers and Rotherham United, all of whom were promoted. Once the Shrimpers shake off this inconsistency and manage to see out games more regularly, then they might land a play-off spot.
What’s the Antidote?
Overcoming this problem will prove a difficult task for Chris Powell in the long-term. This will be particularly tricky in a division as competitive and erratic as League One. He certainly has more tactical aptitude than his predecessor Phil Brown, but ensuring consistency is another matter altogether.
The obvious solution is deciding upon a regular starting eleven that works well. This will be difficult, however, considering the sheer depth in positions such as centre-back and central midfield. Powell must also strive to engrain a winning mentality and an intensity that stretches beyond the sluggishness that was exhibited against Luton.
Arguably it is too early to judge, but undeniably there is plenty of room for improvement at Roots Hall. If Powell can successfully eliminate the endemic of inconsistency that haunts his side, then Southend might fulfil their potential. Despite their rocky start, there remains an optimistic atmosphere around the club and The Shrimpers could be within touching distance of promotion come May.
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